Famous chicken tandoori recipe|What is tandoori marinade made of?

 

Tandoori Chicken: A Smoky Delight

Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant flavors and distinctive cooking method. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, this dish originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Tandoori Chicken is celebrated for its tender meat infused with smoky flavors and its signature bright red color, achieved through the use of spices and yogurt-based marinade.

History and Origin

Tandoori Chicken dates back to the Mughal era, where it was originally prepared for royalty in the kitchens of Mughal emperors. The dish evolved from the traditional methods of cooking meat in tandoors, which were used for baking bread and roasting meats. Over time, it gained popularity across South Asia and beyond, becoming a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken (whole or cut into pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Onion rings

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, salt, and vegetable oil.
   • Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Make deep cuts in the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate.
   • Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it coats the chicken pieces evenly, including inside the cuts.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Preheat the Oven (Alternative to Tandoor):

   • If using an oven, preheat it to the highest temperature (usually around 250°C or 480°F).

4. Cooking the Tandoori Chicken:

   • Skewer the marinated chicken pieces onto metal skewers or arrange them on a baking tray lined with foil.
   • If using an oven, place the skewers or tray in the preheated oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots.
   • If using a grill or tandoor, cook the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and charred on the outside (approximately 15-20 minutes).

5. Serve Hot:

   • Remove the chicken from the skewers or baking tray.
   • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges and onion rings on the side.

Tandoori Chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the grill or oven, paired with naan bread, mint chutney, and a refreshing salad. Its smoky, spicy flavors and tender texture make it a favorite dish for gatherings and special occasions, embodying the rich culinary heritage of North India.