By Ujjainee Roy
September 28, 2024
Tandoori masala is a flavorful and aromatic spice blend typically used in Indian cuisine to marinate meats and vegetables. With its vibrant mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, tandoori masala adds a smoky, slightly tangy, and mildly spicy flavor to dishes. While it's commonly associated with classic tandoori chicken, there are plenty of other creative ways to incorporate this versatile spice mix into your cooking.
Give your roasted veggies an Indian twist by tossing them in tandoori masala before roasting. Combine the spice mix with olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of yogurt, then coat your choice of vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes.
Elevate your movie-night snack by sprinkling tandoori masala on freshly popped popcorn. Melt some butter, mix in a teaspoon of tandoori masala, and drizzle it over the popcorn for a savory and spicy treat. The masala’s rich flavors will transform this simple snack into something truly unique and addictive.
Add an Indian flair to your pasta by incorporating tandoori masala into the sauce. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then stir in a teaspoon of tandoori masala. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, and a bit of yogurt to create a creamy, tangy sauce with a kick.
Spice up your hummus by adding tandoori masala to the mix. Blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil as usual, but add a teaspoon of tandoori masala for an extra layer of flavor. This vibrant twist on classic hummus makes a great dip for veggies, pita bread, or crackers and brings a delicious smoky taste to your appetizers.
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by sprinkling a bit of tandoori masala onto the cheese before grilling. The warm spices blend beautifully with the melted cheese, giving your sandwich an exciting and unexpected flavor. Pair it with a side of tomato soup or chutney for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Tandoori masala isn’t just for chicken – it works wonderfully as a marinade for seafood too. Mix the spice blend with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of oil, and marinate shrimp, fish fillets, or scallops for at least 30 minutes