Flaming Tandoori Delight

Flaming Tandoori Delight

Flaming Tandoori Delight is a tantalizing dish that combines the aromatic flavors of traditional Indian spices with the fiery depth of a tandoori marinade. This dish is best paired with naan bread, basmati rice, or a fresh green salad. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making this stunning dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breast, skinless and boneless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For Rice (Optional):

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste

For Flaming Element:

• 1 small steel bowl or foil
• 1 piece of charcoal
• 1-2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric powder, garam masala, ground cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor infusion.

3. Prepare the Rice (Optional):

• Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, add the rice, water, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

4. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a tandoor oven, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can use an outdoor grill.

5. Cook the Chicken:

• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Arrange the skewers on an oven-safe cooling rack placed on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. If cooking on a grill, cook over medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

6. Add the Flaming Element:

• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter.
• Heat a piece of charcoal until it is red hot.
• Place the hot charcoal in a small steel bowl or a piece of foil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ghee over the hot charcoal to create smoke. Immediately cover the platter with a large lid to allow the smoky flavor to infuse the chicken for about 5-10 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the lid carefully and discard the charcoal.
• Garnish the Flaming Tandoori Delight with freshly chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, accompanied by naan bread, basmati rice, or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy your Flaming Tandoori Delight, a dish that’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and dramatic presentation!