10 Easy Tandoor Recipes for Beginners: From Tandoori Chicken to Naan

Discover easy Tandoor cooking for beginners with simple recipes from Tandoori Chicken to Naan. Perfect for starting your culinary journey.
Tandoor cookery has a long history, from when the Egyptian pyramids were under construction until over 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have discovered remains of tandoor furnaces from India dating back over 2,600 B.C. The extraordinarily high heat of Tandoor cooking for beginners, up to 900°F, gives meals a distinctive smokey taste while requiring very little oil.
If you are unfamiliar with Tandoor cooking for beginners, relax! This book will help you become proficient in 10 simple dishes, ideal for novices. These dishes will bring the authentic tastes of tandoor cooking to your house, whether you have a traditional clay tandoor or use an oven or grill.
Recipe 1: Classic Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken Recipe is the most well known tandoor meal. It is perfect for novices. This recipe calls for plain yogurt, chicken leg quarters, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, and salt.
Cut small incisions in the chicken pieces to let the marinade pass through. Combine yogurt with lemon juice, tandoori masala, salt, and ginger garlic paste. Though overnight is ideal, coat the chicken generously with this mixture and refrigerate for at least four hours.
Placed on skewers, marinated chicken should be cooked for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through when your tandoor reaches around 450°F. The chicken is done when its exterior has good char marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. Present for a whole dinner, sliced onions, lemon wedges, and mint chutney.
Recipe 2: Naan Recipe for Beginners
Though making naan seems complicated, it is very easy for novices. You’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, yogurt, milk, and oil.
First, mix the dry ingredients, then add yogurt, milk, and oil. Gradually add water until you have a soft dough. Knead for five minutes, then cover and let it rest for two hours. Roll each of the eight balls you made into an oval about one fourth inch thick.
When the tandoor is heated, wet one side of the naan with water and adhere it to its interior wall. The naan will cook fast in two to three minutes, until bubbles develop and it acquires light brown patches. Remove the naan from the tandoor using a hook, brush it with butter, and serve hot.
Recipe 3: Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)
A mouthwatering vegetarian choice bursting with taste is tandoori Gobhi. Cut a medium cauliflower into florets and blanch them for two minutes in boiling water. Pat dry, drain, and dry again. Combine thick yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala in a marinade. Coat the cauliflower well and let it set for at least two hours.
Thread the florets onto skewers and cook, flipping once, in the tandoor for eight to ten minutes. The cauliflower should be soft with well burned edges. Rich in smokey taste, this dish makes a fantastic side dish or appetizer.
Recipe 4: Tandoori Aloo (Potatoes)
Everybody enjoys the basic yet delicious Tandoori Aloo meal. Boil the little potatoes until they are just soft but still firm. Peel and cut them in half. Combine salt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, and oil to create a marinade. Coat the potatoes with this mixture to give them a great coating.
The potatoes should develop a good sear in the tandoor between 15 to 20 minutes. The end effect is soft on the inside potatoes with incredible taste and crispy on the exterior. Present hot with mint chutney for a great side dish or snack.
Recipe 5: Hara Bhara Kebab
These green vegetable kebabs are healthy and bursting with taste. You’ll need spinach, peas, potatoes, cumin powder, ginger garlic paste, and coriander powder. Blanch the peas and spinach, then smooth them into a paste. Mash the potatoes, then stir in the spinach pea paste and spices.
Form the ingredients into level, round patties and cook them in the tandoor on a mesh tray for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Perfect for vegetarians, these kebabs also make a fantastic appetizer or snack.
Recipe 6: Stuffed Tandoori Mushrooms
For an equally amazing appetizer, try stuffed tandoori mushrooms. Sort big mushrooms and cut off their stems. Finely cut the stems, then toss with chopped spinach, garam masala, salt, pepper, and crumbled paneer (cottage cheese). Stuff this combo inside the mushroom caps.
Stuffed mushrooms should be soft and somewhat browned in the tandoor in six to eight minutes. The heat imparts a smokey touch and accentuates the mushrooms’ inherent flavors.
Recipe 7: Tandoori Paneer Tikka
Tandoori Paneer Tikka is always popular. It is a vegetarian meal heavy in proteins. Cut bell peppers and onions into bits and paneer, Indian cottage cheese, into cubes. Combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala, and salt in a marinade. Toss the veggies and paneer with the marinade, then let it rest for at least one hour.
Piece veggies alternately and thread paneers on skewers. Cook, rotating once, in the tandoor for six to eight minutes. Though the paneer should remain soft within, it should have a faint blackish exterior.
Recipe 8: Tandoori Fish
Fish cooks quickly in a tandoor, making it perfect for beginners. Select basa or cod, a firm white fish fillet. Prepare a marinade using lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and tandoori powder—or paprika. Marinade the fish fillets and let them rest for thirty minutes. The fish will readily flake with a fork after five to seven minutes in the tandoor on a mesh tray. The tandoor’s intense heat locks in the moisture, producing tasty, juicy fish.
Recipe 9: Tandoori Fruit Chaat
Try tandoori fruit chaat for a distinctive sweet. Cut pear, apple, and pineapple into big slices. Stir honey, chaat masala, and a little of black salt. Spoon this mixture over the fruit bits. Thread fruit onto skewers and cook in the tandoor for here to four minutes until gently browned but sirm. A mouthwatering sweet-and-savory delight results from the heat caramelising the fruit’s inherent sugars.
Recipe 10: Tandoori Roti
Tandoori Roti is a simple bread that goes with any meal. Mix whole wheat flour and salt to make a firm dough, gradually adding water. Knead the dough well, then let it rest for half an hour. Roll each of the eight balls you made into a circle around one-fourth inch thick. Water one side and apply it to your hot tandoor’s internal wall. Cook until puffed and speckled, one to two minutes. Curries and dals go well with this basic bread for scooping.
Ready to Start Your Tandoor Journey?
These dishes will help you quickly become a Tandoor cooking for beginners guru. Start with Easy Tandoor Recipes and work your way up to more complicated ones. Great Tandoor cooking for beginners depends on proper marinating, patience, and practice.
Are you ready to try authentic tandoor cooking at home? Browse our selection of premium tandoor ovens and accessories at Tandoor Morni. Our products are meant for novices and professionals, so you always receive flawless results. Purchase now at tandoormorni.com !
Need Help? Order and Technical Support
Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.
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.
Common Queries – FAQ’S
Can I use a tandoor Indoors?
Yes, certain tandoor models are designed for residential use, including compact, home-friendly versions. However, using a tandoor indoors requires proper ventilation and adherence to safety precautions to manage high heat and potential smoke. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe indoor use. For best results, they are often used in well-ventilated spaces or outdoors.
Are Tandoor-Cooked Foods Healthy?
Yes, tandoor-cooked foods are often considered healthy because they typically require little to no oil. The high cooking temperatures allow the food to cook quickly, preserving nutrients while reducing the need for additional fats. Additionally, the vertical cooking method allows excess fats to drip away, resulting in leaner dishes.
What Types of Fuel Can Be Used in a Tandoor?
Tandoors can be heated using charcoal, wood, natural gas or propane. Charcoal and wood provide an authentic smoky flavor, while natural gas or propane is more convenient and easier to control. The choice of fuel often depends on the specific cooking requirements and local regulations, especially in commercial settings.
How Does a Tandoor Oven Differ from a Conventional Oven?
Unlike conventional ovens, which use electric or gas heat, a tandoor is made from clay and uses charcoal, wood, or gas to heat the walls. The cylindrical shape and porous clay walls create an environment where heat circulates evenly, cooking food quickly while adding a smoky flavor. Conventional ovens, in contrast, lack the intense heat and unique cooking technique of a tandoor.
How Much Maintenance Does a Gas Tandoor Require?
Gas Tandoor needs regular maintenance, though less than Charcoal Tandoor models. Here’s a breakdown:
- Daily Maintenance: Wipe down the inner chamber and clean the burner.
- Weekly Maintenance: Check the burner and gas line for any blockages or leaks.
- Monthly Maintenance: Deep clean the gas pipes, burners, and inner chamber.
- Quarterly Maintenance: Have a professional inspect the gas connections and burners.
- Annual Maintenance: Perform a full inspection and reapply clay lining if needed.
Avoid exposing the tandoor to excessive water, and gradually increase heat to prevent cracks.
How Can I Make a Payment for My Tandoor Order?
You can pay for your tandoor order through our website by placing an online order using the available payment options. If you prefer to place an order over the phone, we accept payment via Zelle for a quick and secure transaction.
Which Tandoor Oven Size Should I Choose?
- For Home Use: Consider the number of family members or guests you typically serve. A mini tandoor is ideal for smaller gatherings.( Suggested Product: R26 )
- For Restaurants: Measure the entrance to ensure the oven fits through the door. Select a size based on available space and cooking needs. (Suggested Product: CH02)
- For Naan Bread: Opt for an oven with a smaller mouth opening, resulting in a more egg-shaped clay pot, perfect for naan preparation. For larger meat portions, choose a bigger oven to maintain heat longer. (Suggested Product: CH04)
- For Catering: A Clay Tandoor Oven is suitable for catering due to its lightweight and easy transport features. (Suggested Product: CS01)
- For Banquet Halls: A larger oven with a spacious clay pot is ideal for preparing multiple dishes quickly during big events. (Suggested Product: CH06)
- For Open Kitchens or Outdoor Patios: Choose a model with a decorative finish, such as a copper tandoor, to enhance the kitchen’s appearance with a touch of elegance. (Visit Our Copper Tandoor).
What Should You Consider When Installing a Restaurant Clay Oven?
- When installing a tandoor in your restaurant kitchen, consider the following:
- Space and Placement: Ensure there is enough clearance around the tandoor for ventilation and safety, with fireproof or heat-resistant flooring.
- Ventilation and Exhaust: Proper ventilation is essential to handle heat and smoke, especially with charcoal tandoors.
- Safety Measures: Use heat-resistant barriers if the tandoor is near other equipment, and keep fire safety equipment like extinguishers handy.
- Fuel Supply: Decide between charcoal, which offers traditional flavors, and gas, which is easier to manage.
By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure a safe and efficient tandoor setup. If you're looking for a Restaurant Clay Oven for Sale, make sure to choose a model that fits your kitchen's requirements and meets all necessary safety standards.
- Menu Considerations: Larger tandoors or multiple units may be needed if you have a diverse menu or high demand during peak hours.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Clean the tandoor daily and monitor for any wear or damage to the clay or gas parts.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensure your installation meets local safety standards and health codes.
- Staff Training: Train staff in safe tandoor operation and fire safety protocols.