How to Make Indian Tandoori Vegetables at Home
Indian Tandoori vegetables are a delightful and healthy addition to any meal, bursting with flavors and vibrant colors. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, infusing them with aromatic spices and cooking them to perfection. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to make Indian Tandoori vegetables at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower are ideal)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, and salt. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and consistent marinade.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that they are roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
3. Marinate the Vegetables
Add the chopped vegetables into the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). If you have a tandoor or a grill, you can use that for an authentic flavor.
5. Arrange the Vegetables
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated vegetables on the tray in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded to allow even roasting.
6. Cook the Vegetables
Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and a nice char. If you are using a grill, skewering the veggies on metal or soaked bamboo skewers and grilling them will give an excellent smoky flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the tandoori vegetables from the oven. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve them hot with mint chutney or yogurt dip.
Tips for Perfect Tandoori Vegetables
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like eggplant or asparagus to suit your taste.
- If you want extra crunch, consider adding some nuts or paneer cubes with the vegetables.
- The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the vegetables become, so don’t rush this step!
- Adjust the spiciness of the tandoori masala according to your preference.
Making Indian Tandoori vegetables at home is not only easy but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy this flavorful dish at your convenience. With these simple steps, combine health and taste in every bite!