Heard there was a football game last night, where some team from NY won. You’d think, how could she miss it, especially, while living in Indy? Well I didn’t, at least all the buzz in this city did not let me. But being no fan of this sport, I did not care about it. I am usually game for this game or any game for food. This time, I did not plan any elaborate menus or had friends over or did get invited over. None of which I was willing to do–for no particular reason, other than to relax.  But I did want to tell you about how perfect these sliders would have been with company. Perfect bite-sized, for the big-mouthed, or a few bites-sized for the dainty ones.

I liked sliders way before they got the chic status. May be its my affinity for mini foods that attracted me. Few days ago I found these perfect little buns at the grocery store. Nothing is going to stop me now from digging into these hot literally and figuratively) sliders with chicken patties that are infused with Thai curry paste, basil and cilantro. The Asian twist carried the sliders to a new level. I added chilli garlic sauce to regular mayo to bump up the asian factor. Its was perfect….and inspired me to try other flavor combinations. Hmm… I’m thinking Indian or Malaysian curry powder in the patty with a bright and herby dressing drizzled on top…and…and…Well I am off to see what I have in my fridge. Until I come back, here it is, for you to start yours.

What you need:
For the patties:
1 lb Ground chicken
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 Shallots, finely diced (or 2 tbsp diced onions)
2 slices of bread, crumbled
2 tbsp Thai curry paste ( I used Panang curry paste. Scale back to 1 tbsp if you want it milder)
1/2 cup to handful Thai Basil, chopped
1/2 tsp Salt, or to taste
Spinach leaves/sliced red onions/thinly sliced tomatoes (all optional, to assemble the slider)

For Mayo:
1 tsp Chili Garlic sauce (or use 1/2 tsp of the same curry paste as above)
4 tbsp of mayo

How to make them:

• Mix all the ingredients listed for patties with the ground chicken. Do not overwork the chicken, or your patties will be tough.
• Divide the mix into 8 portions and form each one into a thick patty.
• Heat a wide pan on medium heat, and drizzle some oil. When hot place the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes each side. If you want to check the taste before cooking the all, make a tiny patty, cook and taste to adjust any seasonings.
• Once cooked on both sides I held the patty with a pair of tongs and rubbed the caramelization in the pan onto the sides, to give it a nice charred look.
• Mix the Chili Garlic sauce with mayo.
• Rub a bit of oil on the insides of the buns and heat them (or grill) until slightly browned
• Assemble the slider with a few spinach leaves on the bottom and the delicious mayo on the patty and insert a toothpick to hold this gorgeous creation in place.
• Serve with beer, and enjoy!