"Street Meat"

Whitesaucehotsauce?

As a former New Yorker, there are a few foods that really tug on your heart strings when you're gone. One of my biggest cravings these days is the indispensable flavor of the halal cart, affectionately known to many as "street meat". It's just seasoned chicken over rice... or is it?

I've used a chicken tikka masala seasoning that I bought at a local Indian grocery store; here is a favorite foolproof brand that you can find in most middle eastern shops (or on Amazon!). If you're lucky enough to live in New York City, hop on over to Brooklyn and head to Oriental Pastry and Grocery in Cobble Hill. This is where I had my chicken tikka spices hand-mixed, and you won't get a better flavor anywhere.  I put this stuff on everything when I had the chance, and I miss it. A lot. (Get some Turkish coffee and some amazing pastries while you're there, too.)

As a standard, I serve up my beloved street meat at home with some salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion, and basmati rice cooked with chicken stock and turmeric for that trademark bright yellow color. Plain yogurt with a little lemon juice, salt, and pepper makes a great (and healthy) "white sauce", and I use sriracha as my hot sauce. Taste-wise, I actually prefer my homemade to the original, but it still holds a very special place in my heart.