"Welcome to the world of Indian cuisine! Tandoori marinade is a key component in many traditional Indian dishes, and today, we're going to dive into the depths of this iconic blend. With its rich aroma and flavours, tandoori marinade is the perfect way to elevate your cooking and add a touch of authenticity to your dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this introduction to our tandoori marinade recipes will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and aromatic blend that will take your cooking to the next level."
Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly
Special equipment - blender
"The Tandoor: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
The tandoor, a clay oven that dates back to ancient times, is a symbol of Indian cuisine and culture. Originating in the Punjab region, the tandoor was used by cooks to prepare a variety of dishes, including the iconic tandoori chicken. The tandoor's unique shape and heating properties allow for a slow and even cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavourful final product. Over time, the tandoor has been adopted by cooks around the world, and its influence can be seen in many modern Indian recipes.
Marinade: The Secret to Tandoori Perfection
A tandoori marinade is a blend of spices, herbs, and yogurt that is used to tenderize and flavour meat before cooking. The process of marinating involves soaking the meat in a mixture of ingredients that break down the proteins and add flavour. This technique allows for a depth of flavour that is unmatched by other cooking methods. In the case of tandoori chicken, the marinade is made with a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, along with yogurt and lemon juice. The result is a dish that is both tender and flavourful, with a rich aroma that is sure to please."
I am going to publish a few different marinade recipes on this page and I will add to it as the blog grows but for now here are the basic chicken tikka marinades in small portion format and a bulk recipe along with tandoori raita.
Tandoori Marinade Recipes:
Chicken Tikka marinade recipe - small portion
Ingredients:
You should be able to find most of these items in a general supermarket or Indian store.
1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt ( table salt will do )
The Juice of half a lemon
½ inch cube of root ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 large cloves of garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 fresh red or green chillies (Check for heat levels for yourself)
2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons of dried mint leaves
6 tablespoons of thick set natural yoghurt
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of garam masala
2 teaspoons of tandoori spice
1 teaspoon of mango powder
½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Red food Colouring (Optional)
Chicken Tikka marinade - Bulk portion
Ingredients:
You should be able to find most of these items in a general supermarket or Indian store.
1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt ( table salt will do )
1 Pint or 1 kilogram tub of plain yogurt
8 cloves of garlic peeled coarsely chopped
a 4 inch piece of fresh root ginger peeled and coarsely chopped
2 large fresh red chillies choose be mindful of the chilli heat.
3 dessert spoons of magic tandoori spice mix ( see below )
1 tablespoon of shop bought tandoori paste
a generous handful of coriander leaves
handful of fresh mint leaves
Blend all together in a blender until smooth then portion up and freeze you will need around half a cup for a general recipe
Tandoori spice mix (for above)
1 tablespoon of ground coriander
1 tablespoon of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of ground chilli powder
2 tablespoons of garam masala
1 tablespoon of ground ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of store bought tandoori spice mix
1 tablespoon of mango powder (optional)
It doesn't really matter what size spoon you use just stick to the ratios and mix them all together in a labeled storage jar for use when ever you need it.
Robust Red Tandoori Marinade
Simply mix all the following ingredient together and blend
150g natural yogurt
2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice
2-3 garlic cloves coarsely chopped
2-3 red chillies coarsely chopped
a handful of fresh coriander leaves
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of garam masala
2 tablespoons of tandoori paste
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of salt
Tandoori Raita Recipe
Ingredients:
100g tub of natural Greek yogurt.
1 clove of garlic peeled and crushed
a small piece of fresh root ginger grated
1 tablespoon of store bought mint sauce (make sure it's without vinegar)
1 tablespoon of store bought mango chutney
salt and pepper to taste
1 small red chilly chopped
A few drops of yellow food colour for if you want that vibrant yellow colour, or ½ teaspoon of turmeric for a healthier version
Click here for Kitchen Timer
The process of making tandoori raita is definitely straightforward - just chop the chilli, grate the ginger, crush the garlic, and mix them all together with yogurt. This simple method allows the vibrant flavours and aromas of the ingredients to infuse into the yogurt, creating a delicious and refreshing dip that enhances the overall dining experience. for that extra zing serve this with a lemon wedge.
Bon appétit!
Please leave a comment below to share your own experience in preparing this recipe.
Cheers Steve.
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