Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a typical (and delicious) Indian dish comprised of chicken pieces marinated in a yoghurt and spice mixture and grilled in a tandoor oven. Temperatures inside the oven come close to 500 degrees Celcius and, as a result, the chicken cooked in the tandoor is superbly tender and juicy. Most of us living outside (or even in) India, however, do not have access to a tandoor, but this should not discourage you from trying this simple but amazingly tasty dish. Simply barbecue the chicken instead or bake it in a hot oven. 

Tandoori Chicken

Ingredients:

4-6 chicken thighs and drumsticks, skinless

300 ml natural whole yoghurt

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 a tablespoon hot chilli powder

A few drops of tabasco sauce

4 tablespoons lime juice

Salt to taste

How to make:

1. Clean the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and slit all pieces with a sharp knife. 

2. In a bowl, mix all other ingredients and add the chicken making sure to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade. If possible, leave the chicken marinating over night.

3. Grill the chicken pieces on a hot barbecue or in a pre-heated oven to 200 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 minutes, checking to make sure it does not burn.