Creative Tandoori Recipes in the Tandoor Oven

Bringing the Flavors of Tandoori Cooking to Your Kitchen with a Commercial Tandoor Oven

Tandoori cooking has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, where it began as a traditional way to prepare food. The smoky and charred flavor of tandoori dishes has captivated food lovers worldwide, making it a popular choice in restaurants and homes alike. But what makes a dish truly tandoori? The secret lies in one essential piece of equipment—the commercial tandoor oven.

A commercial tandoor oven is a special clay oven that uses high heat, typically fueled by charcoal or gas, to cook food quickly and impart a unique smoky flavor. The oven’s high temperatures cook meats, vegetables, and breads to perfection, creating a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside. But you don’t need to be a professional chef to bring these flavors to your own kitchen. With a little practice and the right tools, you can create authentic tandoori dishes at home.

This guide will introduce you to some mouthwatering recipes you can try using a commercial tandoor oven, perfect for small gatherings or a special family meal. Let’s dive into the magic of these easy-to-make dishes and discover how you can elevate your cooking game!

What is a Commercial Tandoor Oven?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand what a commercial tandoor oven is and why it’s so unique. This traditional clay oven has been used for centuries to prepare a variety of foods, especially in Indian cuisine. Shaped like a large, deep cylinder, the commercial tandoor oven can reach temperatures up to 900°F (480°C), making it ideal for quickly cooking food while locking in flavor and moisture.

Traditionally fueled by charcoal, the oven adds a distinct smoky flavor that’s hard to achieve with standard cooking methods. Some modern versions use gas, which provides a cleaner alternative while still delivering that authentic tandoori taste. In restaurants, the drippings from meat and vegetables fall onto the charcoal, creating a smoky aroma that infuses every bite with rich flavor. It’s an experience you can now bring to your own kitchen or backyard.

Tandoori Dishes You Can Easily Make at Home

A commercial tandoor oven isn’t just for professional kitchens—it can be used at home to create an array of delicious dishes. Here are some popular tandoori recipes that will allow you to enjoy the smoky goodness from the comfort of your home.

1. Tandoori Chicken: A Timeless Classic

Tandoori chicken is perhaps the most iconic tandoori dish. Its flavorful marinade and smoky char make it irresistible. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

1. • Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken pieces and make deep slits in the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate. Pat the chicken dry.

1. • Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix ginger garlic paste, salt, chili powder, Kashmiri chili powder, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken with this mixture and let it rest for 1-2 hours. For a second marinade, combine mustard oil, red chili powder, tandoori masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and thick yogurt. Massage this marinade into the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven to the highest setting. Skewer the chicken pieces and place them inside the oven. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

1. • Serve: Brush with melted butter before serving. Pair with freshly baked naan or a side salad.

2. Tandoori Paneer Tikka: A Vegetarian Delight

Tandoori paneer tikka is a vegetarian favorite that’s full of flavor. The smoky, spicy cubes of paneer are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. • Prepare the Marinade: Mix yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl.

1. • Coat the Paneer: Cut the paneer into cubes and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 1 hour.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Skewer the paneer cubes along with some bell peppers and onions for added flavor. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the paneer is slightly charred and smoky.

1. • Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with mint chutney.

3. Tandoori Salmon: A Healthy, Flavorful Option

For seafood lovers, tandoori salmon is a delicious and healthy choice. The fish absorbs the smoky flavors beautifully while maintaining a moist, flaky texture.

1. • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and a pinch of salt.

1. • Marinate the Salmon: Coat the salmon fillets with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Skewer the salmon fillets and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Flip once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

1. • Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a lemon wedge. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables.

4. Tandoori Lamb Chops: A Feast for Meat Lovers

Tandoori lamb chops offer a rich and flavorful experience. The combination of spices and the smoky aroma from the commercial tandoor oven make this dish truly special.

1. • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt.

1. • Coat the Lamb Chops: Rub the marinade generously over the lamb chops. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Place the marinated lamb chops on skewers and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even char.

1. • Serve: Brush with melted butter before serving. Enjoy with a side of mint chutney or raita.

5. Tandoori Naan: The Perfect Accompaniment

No tandoori meal is complete without naan. This soft, pillowy bread with a slightly charred exterior is the perfect companion to any tandoori dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. • Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and a little yeast. Add yogurt and warm water to make a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

1. • Shape the Naan: Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls. Roll each ball into a flat, oval shape.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Use a naan skewer to stick the dough onto the sides of the oven. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form and the naan has a slight char.

1. • Serve: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped garlic or fresh herbs.

Why Use a Commercial Tandoor Oven?

The commercial tandoor oven offers several unique advantages that make it a preferred choice for many chefs and cooking enthusiasts:

1. • High Temperature Cooking: The high temperatures in a commercial tandoor oven allow for quick cooking, sealing in juices and creating a crispy exterior. This technique works beautifully for meats, vegetables, and bread alike.

1. • Smoky Flavor: The smoky flavor imparted by the charcoal (or gas) is a signature characteristic of tandoori cooking. The juices from the food drip onto the heat source, creating aromatic smoke that infuses the dishes.

1. • Versatility: While traditionally used for meats, a commercial tandoor oven is versatile enough to cook various foods, from seafood and vegetables to naan and roti. It adds depth to whatever you’re cooking.

1. • Authentic Taste: A commercial tandoor oven offers the most authentic tandoori experience, allowing home chefs to replicate restaurant-quality dishes with ease.

Additional Tandoori Recipes to Try

If you’re ready to explore more dishes in your commercial tandoor oven, here are some extra recipes that bring the flavor of tandoori cooking to life.

1. Tandoori Shrimp: A Quick and Flavorful Delight

Tandoori shrimp is a great appetizer or main dish. The shrimp cook quickly in the commercial tandoor oven, making them a convenient choice for entertaining.

1. 1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Coat the shrimp with the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes.

1. 1. Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Skewer the shrimp and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning once to get a nice char.

1. 1. Serve: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.

2. Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi): A Vegan Twist

For a vegan-friendly option, tandoori cauliflower offers all the flavor of traditional tandoori dishes without the meat.

1. • Prepare the Marinade: Combine yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), tandoori masala, cumin, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl.

1. • Coat the Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into florets and coat them with the marinade. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Place the marinated cauliflower on skewers and cook for 10-12 minutes until slightly charred.

1. • Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with mint chutney.

3. Tandoori Seekh Kebabs: A Spiced Meat Treat

Seekh kebabs are made from ground meat, mixed with spices, and cooked on skewers. They’re juicy, spicy, and perfect for a commercial tandoor oven.

1. • Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a bowl, mix ground lamb or beef with chopped onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, garam masala, salt, coriander, and cumin powder. Add some finely chopped mint leaves for freshness.

1. • Shape the Kebabs: Form the mixture into sausage-like shapes around skewers.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Cook the kebabs for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

1. • Serve: Serve hot with naan and a side of yogurt dip.

4. Tandoori Mushrooms: A Quick and Healthy Snack

Mushrooms cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them perfect for tandoori seasoning.

1. • Prepare the Marinade: Mix yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, turmeric, and salt in a bowl.

1. • Marinate the Mushrooms: Coat the mushrooms with the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Place the mushrooms on skewers and cook for 8-10 minutes, until lightly charred.

1. • Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

5. Tandoori Potatoes: A Spicy, Crispy Side Dish

Tandoori potatoes are an excellent side dish or appetizer. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

1. • Boil the Potatoes: Parboil small potatoes until they are just tender. Cut them in half.

1. • Marinate: In a bowl, mix yogurt, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Coat the potatoes with the mixture and let them rest for 1 hour.

1. • Cook in the Commercial Tandoor Oven: Preheat the commercial tandoor oven. Skewer the potatoes and cook for 15 minutes, turning to get a nice, even char.

1. • Serve: Sprinkle with chaat masala and serve with a side of mint chutney.

Tips for Cooking with a Commercial Tandoor Oven

• • Preheat Properly: Always preheat the commercial tandoor oven to ensure even cooking.

• • Use the Right Skewers: Make sure you use skewers that can handle high temperatures. Stainless steel skewers work best.

• • Rotate for Even Cooking: Rotate the skewers occasionally to ensure the food cooks evenly on all sides.

Keep an Eye on the Food: Tandoori dishes cook quickly. Don’t leave the food unattended to avoid burning.

About Tandoor Morni

Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs. For more information or to place an order, contact us at Phone Number: +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Visit our website at www.tandoormorni.com to explore our full range of products.