Tandoori chicken
Tandoori chicken is believed to have originated in North India, though some attribute its origins to the region of Punjab. What makes the dish so special is the marinade used to impart flavor and color. Traditional tandoori marinade is a blend of intensely-flavored spices such as paprika, coriander, chili powder, and garlic paste mixed with yogurt or other acidic ingredients. The marinade not only adds flavor to the chicken, but also tenderizes the meat, giving it an incredible texture.
Once the chicken pieces have been marinated, they are then placed in a cylindrical tandoor oven made of clay and fired with charcoal. The intense heat creates an irresistible smokiness and char marks on the outside of the chicken, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
After the chicken has cooked, it’s typically served with freshly-made chapati (flatbread) along with chutneys, pickles and various accompaniments. The combination of the smoky chicken, spicy chutneys, piquant pickles and soft chapati will fill you with intense pleasure and gustatory delight.
Tandoori chicken is a no-fuss yet sophisticated dish that will enthrall your palate and leave you wanting more. When prepared with passion, tandoori chicken can be a sublime way to enjoy a truly wonderful mealtime experience.
Tandoori chicken recipes
Amazing Tandoori chicken recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Tandoori chicken
Have you ever sat down on a Saturday evening, and ordered in some delicious Indian cuisine? If so, chances are you opted for scrumptious tandoori chicken. But have you ever wondered where this dish originated? Let's take a journey to the dark ages of India, and explore the origin of this flavorful feast!
Tandoori chicken has an ancient lineage that dates back to before the Mughal Empire. Its exact start point is unknown, but clues suggest it originated within the dense villages of Rajasthan. The locals of this region would use their indoor clay ovens (tandoors) to cook a variety of different meats and vegetables. Unfortunately, they lacked the modern-day luxurious ingredients; so, these individuals had to get creative!
As a result, one of the oldest tandoori recipes includes marinades made up of turmeric, cumin, garam masala, ginger, garlic, chili powder, and yogurt. All of these ingredients were readily available to the locals and provided an effective way to add flavor to their meals. As time passed, this recipe evolved with the addition of other spices and herbs, such as coriander, mint, and cardamom.
By the late 19th century, the Mughal Empire had fallen and a new wave of Indian cooking had swept across the country. This period saw a significant increase in the popularity of tandoori chicken. Now, savvy chefs were experimenting with different marinades and methods of cooking. By the mid 20th century, tandoori chicken had made its way to India’s northern and eastern states, where it remains a beloved staple of traditional Indian culture.
Today, tandoori chicken is a staple of Indian cuisine, served across the world. Cooks simmered the chicken pieces in spicy marinades of yogurt, herbs, and spices, then roasted the pieces in a clay oven (tandoor) for several minutes. Tandoori chicken is now a global favorite, enjoyed at restaurants and homes worldwide.
So the next time you sit down to a plate of tandoori chicken, take a moment to remember the spiced-up history behind this dish. From Rajasthan to Mumbai, tandoori chicken has been through a lot over the past few centuries, and it still carries a unique flavor that can’t be replicated.
Types of Tandoori chicken
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine and have a taste for succulent chicken dishes, then tandoori chicken is a must-have! This delectable dish is a classic Indian main course that has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries, and is still hugely popular today.
Tandoori chicken has its roots in Mughlai cuisine, an Indo-Persian style of cooking from the Mughal Empire. The dish first appeared in the mid-1700s, and it was originally made in a tandoor – a clay oven heated to extreme temperatures.
The traditional version of tandoori chicken is marinated in a yogurt-based mixture of spices and herbs, and then roasted in the tandoor until it is succulent and juicy – with a mild but piquant flavor. But today you can find many variations on the classic, depending on regional taste preferences.
In Northern India, they often add cream or yogurt to their marinade, resulting in a mild flavor with a creamy texture. In regions like Punjab, cooks add extra red chilli powder and coriander, creating a spicy and robust dish. In Rajasthan, they use extra cream and nuts, creating a milder taste with a tinge of sweetness.
In the south, tandoori chicken gets an additional tanginess from the addition of lime juice, garlic and vinegar. And if you’re looking for a truly unique flavor experience, try the Kerala version, which uses coconut milk and curry leaves for a sweet and fragrant dish.
No matter what region you choose, tandoori chicken is sure to be a hit with your taste buds! So if you’re looking for a delicious alternative to grilled chicken, give tandoori chicken a try. You won’t regret it – it’s an infallible dish perfect for any occasion.