How to Make Indian Chicken Tandoori

Masala refers to any type of Indian spice. Garam masala, the main seasoning in Indian chicken tandoori dishes, is a dry spice mixture which is used in parts of Asia, particularly India. The 'garam' in garam masala implies 'warmth' or 'heat'. In India, garam masala means hot spice.

Garam masala is aromatic and pungent. But it is not hot in the way that chili or spice mixtures are. It usually adds a unique kick to foods. Some people claim a sense of happiness and well being while enjoying foods marinated in garam masala.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 tablespoons cooking oil
• 12 large chicken pieces, with bone and skin
• 1-1/2 cups yogurt (curd)
• 3 tablespoons lime juice, or 9 tablespoons orange juice
• 1-1/4 cup chopped onions
• 6 dried red chilies
• 3 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1-1/2" piece ginger, grated
• 2 Cloves
• 3 teaspoons garam masala
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Bunch cilantro or parsley, and lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

1. Using a sharp knife and make slits in the chicken pieces. Rub lime juice and salt over the poultry. The slits on the skin will help the flavors get in the chicken meat. Let marinade in room temperature for at least an hour.

2. Grind coriander seeds, dried chilies, ginger, clove, and garlic. Blend together add mixture to chili with the garam masala, mix.

3. Pure 4 tablespoons cooking oil in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the masala mixture. Stir in the onions and cook.
   Pour yogurt, stirring. Cook 1 minute more and remove the pan from heat. This is the yogurt mixture.

4. Arrange chicken pieces (in Step 1) in a baking dish. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken. Cover and chill the marinade in the fridge for 6 hours, better if overnight.

5. 
   Chicken tandoori

   Preheat heat oven to 400 degrees F. Bring chicken out the refrigerator and bake chicken in the marinade pan, about 45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.
   
   Transfer chicken to large plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. Ready to eat with steam rice or curried rice.
   
   Serves 4-6 people.
   
   Notes: you can make your own garam masala or buy it pre-made (ready to use). If you are interested to make one, visit the following link in "Resources" section to my artcle: How to Make Garam Masala for Indian Dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make your own or find pre-made garam masala online, in local grocery stores among the International/Asian food isles and Asian supermarkets.

Resources

• Recipe for Garam Masala

[Wasatch]

on 4/11/2009 Tandoori Chicken looks great.