tandoori
Tandoori refers to a style of Indian cooking where food, typically marinated meat or vegetables, is prepared in a tandoor—a cylindrical clay or metal oven. The high, intense heat of the oven imparts a signature charred, smoky flavor and a vibrant reddish-orange hue to the ingredients. This term is most commonly used as an adjective to describe dishes like tandoori chicken or tandoori roti. It is a staple of South Asian cuisine and is widely understood in global culinary contexts, generally implying a savory, spiced, and roasted preparation rather than a fried or boiled one.
In conversation
Ordering takeout
Should we get the butter chicken or the tandoori platter?
Should we get the butter chicken or the tandoori platter?
Let's go with the tandoori platter, I'm craving that smoky flavor.
Let's go with the tandoori platter, I'm craving that smoky flavor.
Using 'tandoori' as a noun to refer to the dish itself is very common in casual conversation.
Discussing dinner plans
I'm trying to make tandoori cauliflower at home tonight.
I'm trying to make tandoori cauliflower at home tonight.
Nice! Are you using a real clay oven or just the broiler?
Nice! Are you using a real clay oven or just the broiler?
Tandoori seasoning can be used for vegetarian dishes, not just meat.
Examples
I ordered a tandoori chicken salad.
I ordered a tandoori chicken salad.
The tandoori marinade gives the meat a distinct red color and smoky aroma.
The tandoori marinade gives the meat a distinct red color and smoky aroma.
Authentic tandoori cooking relies on the extreme temperature of a clay oven to seal in juices while crisping the exterior.
Authentic tandoori cooking relies on the extreme temperature of a clay oven to seal in juices while crisping the exterior.
