Barbecue Tandoori Chicken: A Flavorful Fusion of Indian Cuisine and Grilling

The Art of Tandoori Cooking

Tandoori cooking traditionally involves a clay oven known as a tandoor. Meat is skewered on long metal rods and placed inside the tandoor, where the intense heat sears the meat's surface while the skewers conduct heat internally, ensuring even cooking. This method imparts a unique flavor and texture to the meat.

Naan Bread: A Tandoor Staple

Naan bread, a staple in Indian cuisine, is cooked by slapping the dough onto the tandoor's inner walls. As it hangs, it forms a teardrop shape and cooks to perfection, achieving a slightly charred, smoky flavor.

Bringing Tandoori to Your Barbecue

You can replicate the tandoori cooking method on a barbecue grill, achieving similar results. The high heat of the grill can sear the meat, creating the characteristic slightly charred edges typical of tandoori dishes.

The Secret to Perfect Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken, a popular dish in Indian restaurants, owes its succulent texture to a long marinade in yogurt and spices. The distinctive red color is traditionally achieved using alkanet root, but food coloring powder (red, orange, or yellow) can be used as a substitute.

Recipe: Barbecue Tandoori Chicken

Serves: 6

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 24 hours

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken legs
• 4 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Marinade:

• 9 fl oz (265ml) of yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of mustard oil
• 9 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1.5 teaspoons of salt
• 2.5 teaspoons of paprika
• 2.5 teaspoons of ground coriander
• 2.5 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons of food coloring powder (red, orange, or yellow)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Skin the chicken and make short gashes in the flesh. Place in a shallow dish and rub with lime or lemon juice and salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
2. Marinate: Mix all marinade ingredients together and rub thoroughly into the chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Grill: Place the marinated chicken over medium-hot coals and grill for about 25 to 30 minutes until cooked, turning occasionally and basting with any remaining marinade.
4. Serve: Serve on a bed of lettuce and onion rings with a wedge of lemon. Accompany with naan bread and tandoori chutney.

For more tandoori recipes, visit BBC Good Food.

Interesting Facts About Tandoori Chicken

• Popularity: Tandoori chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, Indian cuisine is among the top 10 trending global cuisines in the United States.
• Health Benefits: Tandoori chicken is a healthier option compared to many other grilled meats. The yogurt marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also adds probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
• Cultural Significance: The tandoor oven has been used in Indian cooking for over 5,000 years, originating from the Indus Valley Civilization.

Conclusion

Barbecue tandoori chicken is a delightful fusion of Indian culinary tradition and the smoky flavors of grilling. With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can bring this exotic dish to your backyard barbecue. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and the unique cooking experience that tandoori chicken offers.

For more detailed recipes and cooking tips, check out Serious Eats.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to making barbecue tandoori chicken, blending traditional Indian cooking methods with modern grilling techniques. Enjoy the rich flavors and cultural history behind this beloved dish.