Tandoori dishes are a popular choice for those who love the bold flavors and aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. But have you ever wondered how these dishes are actually cooked?

The key to tandoori cooking lies in the traditional clay oven, known as a tandoor. This cylindrical oven is made of clay and is heated to high temperatures using charcoal or wood. The food is cooked directly on the walls of the tandoor, which results in a unique smoky flavor and charred exterior.

Before cooking, the meat or vegetables are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and a blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in succulent and flavorful dishes.

Once marinated, the food is skewered and placed inside the tandoor. The intense heat of the oven sears the exterior of the food, creating a crispy crust while locking in the juices. The result is tender, juicy meat with a delicious smoky flavor.

One of the most popular tandoori dishes is tandoori chicken, which is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices before being cooked in the tandoor. The high heat of the oven gives the chicken a charred and crispy exterior, while the marinade keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

Other tandoori dishes include tandoori lamb, tandoori fish, and tandoori paneer. Each dish is marinated in a unique blend of spices and cooked in the tandoor, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic meal that is sure to please the palate.

So next time you order a tandoori dish, you can appreciate the traditional cooking method that goes into creating these delicious and flavorful dishes. The tandoor oven plays a key role in imparting that unique smoky flavor and charred exterior that tandoori dishes are known for.

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