From Tandoori To Tikka: A Guide To Popular Indian Grilled Dishes

When it comes to Indian cuisine, the rich and diverse flavours of the grilled dishes are a highlight. Among these, tandoori and tikka dishes stand out as the most popular and widely loved. Whether you are a fan of spicy flavours or prefer milder options, Indian grilled dishes have something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will delve into the world of tandoori and tikka, exploring their origins, cooking techniques, The roots of tandoori and tikka can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where they have been an integral part of traditional cooking for centuries. Tandoor, a traditional clay oven, plays a crucial role in the preparation of these dishes. The tandoor's unique design allows for high-temperature cooking, resulting in smoky and charred flavours that are distinctive to tandoori and tikka dishes. And the wide range of flavours they bring to the table.

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Paneer Tikka

It is a beloved Indian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Succulent chunks of paneer are marinated in a flavourful blend of yoghurt, lemon juice, and aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika. The marinated chicken is then traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven, resulting in a vibrant red colour and a smoky flavour. The combination of tangy yoghurt and spices infuses the chicken with a tantalising taste and a tender texture. It is often served as an appetiser or as part of a main course, and variations of this dish include mushroom, fish, and chicken tikka.

Mutton Seekh Kebab

Made from succulent minced meat, usually lamb or chicken, the seekh kebab is blended with a range of aromatic spices and shaped onto skewers, which are then grilled to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering kebab with a smoky, charred exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Beef, chicken, minced vegetables are used in other variations of making these kebabs. Seekh kebabs are often served with mint chutney and a side of naan or rice.

Mushroom Malai Tikka

This tantalising appetiser is a popular choice among both mushroom lovers and those seeking a meatless alternative. To prepare Mushroom Malai Tikka, fresh button or cremini mushrooms are marinated in a velvety mixture of yoghurt, cream, aromatic spices, and herbs. The mushrooms are then skewered and cooked to perfection, either in a tandoor (traditional clay oven) or on a grill.

The result is a succulent dish with a mild yet flavourful taste. The creamy marinade complements the natural umami of the mushrooms, creating a delightful contrast. Mushroom malai tikka is often served as an appetiser with mint chutney and sliced onions, adding a refreshing element to each bite.

Chicken Kasturi Kebab

Chicken Kasturi Kebab is a succulent dish that showcases the aromatic flavours of kasturi methi, or dried fenugreek leaves. To prepare chicken kasturi kebab, boneless chicken is marinated in a mixture of yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and a special combination of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The marinade is then enhanced with the distinctive aroma of Kasturi leaves, which adds a unique dimension to the dish.

After marinating, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, giving it a delightful charred exterior while maintaining its juicy tenderness. Chicken kasturi kebab is often served as an appetiser with a side of mint chutney and onion rings, allowing the flavours to shine. Its enticing aroma and exquisite taste make it a popular choice for special occasions, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Hariyali Paneer Tikka

Hariyali paneer tikka is a vibrant and flavourful vegetarian dish that showcases the freshness of green herbs and the creaminess of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) combined with a vibrant green marinade, resulting in a burst of aromatic and tangy flavours. To prepare hariyali paneer tikka, cubes of paneer are marinated in a mixture of fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, yoghurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices.

Once marinated, the paneer cubes are skewered and cooked until lightly charred, either in a tandoor, oven, or stovetop grill. The grilling process enhances the flavours and gives the paneer a delightful smoky aroma. Hariyali Paneer Tikka is often served as an appetiser or a side dish, accompanied by mint chutney and lemon wedges. The combination of creamy paneer and the zesty marinade creates a mouth-watering experience with a perfect balance of flavours.

Chicken Reshmi Kebab

Chicken Reshmi Kebab is a mouth-watering and velvety dish that showcases the rich and creamy flavours of Indian cuisine. To prepare chicken reshmi kebab, boneless chicken is marinated in a mixture of yoghurt, cream, ginger-garlic paste, and a medley of spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. The marinade is further enriched with ingredients like cashew paste or poppy seed paste, which contribute to its luscious and smooth texture.

Once marinated, the chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) or grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and slightly charred exterior. Chicken reshmi kebab is often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, accompanied by mint chutney and onion rings. Its creamy and mildly spiced taste makes it a favourite choice for special occasions, celebrations, and gatherings.

Tandoori Chicken

It is an iconic Indian grilled dish that has gained worldwide popularity. Succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. The marinade tenderises the chicken and infuses it with a vibrant red colour. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven, the high heat results in a smoky and charred flavour that is characteristic of tandoori chicken. As the chicken cooks evenly on high heat within minutes, the kebab remains moist and juicy, with a perfect balance of tanginess and spiciness. It is often served as a centrepiece at celebrations and enjoyed with naan bread and mint chutney.

Bhutta

Bhutta, also known as grilled corn, is a popular and beloved street food enjoyed in various parts of India. This mouthwatering snack involves grilling whole corn cobs over open flames or on a barbecue, resulting in a smoky and charred exterior while retaining the natural sweetness of the kernels.

One common flavouring method is to brush the grilled corn with melted butter and season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, enhancing the natural flavours. Apart from that, mint-corriander chutney or lemon-chilli chutney are rubbed for stronger flavours and a spicy hit.

Whether enjoyed at fairs, festivals, or backyard gatherings, bhutta provides a delightful and satisfying experience. Its smoky, sweet, and slightly charred taste, coupled with the variety of seasonings and toppings, make it a delicious and nostalgic treat that brings people together to savour the joys of outdoor eating.

Tandoori Naan, Roti And Kulcha

These are delectable Indian breads that are a staple in Indian cuisine. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven, these breads are made with dough, made from a combination of flour, water, yoghurt, and yeast, which is carefully stretched and slapped onto the oven's hot walls, where they bake at high temperatures.

The breads are typically brushed with ghee or butter immediately after being removed from the oven, further enhancing their rich and indulgent flavour.

While plain tandoori roti is a classic favourite, there are various flavorful variations available, like cheese naan, which is filled with gooey melted cheese, and kulcha, which contains grated carrots, coriander, and sesame seeds. These breads are served with Indian gravies like kadai paneer, murg makhni, mutton rogan josh, dal makhni, and more.

Tikkas and tandoors hold a special place in the culinary landscape of India. These grilled delicacies showcase the diverse flavours, aromatic spices, and cooking techniques that make Indian cuisine so renowned. Whether it's the succulent chicken tikka, the creamy paneer tikka, or the smoky tandoori delights, each dish offers a unique sensory experience. From sizzling street food stalls to upscale restaurants, tikkas and tandoors continue to entice taste buds and provide a delightful journey into the rich culinary heritage of India.