Tandoori Aloo, a traditional recipe from North India, is known for its tangy taste, spicy aroma, and smoky flavor. It's a dish you can serve as a party snack or make as a weekend special. The best part is that you can easily prepare this recipe in your regular home kitchen. Let's learn the complete method, small tips to enhance the taste, and unique ways to serve it.
Essential Ingredients
- Required Ingredients – For Tandoori Aloo
- Half-boiled potatoes – 2 cups (cut into large pieces)
- Onion – ½ cup (roughly chopped)
- Tomato – ½ cup (cubed)
- Capsicum (Bell pepper) – ½ cup (chopped)
- Melted butter – ¼ cup
- Coal – 1 piece
- Ghee (Clarified butter) – ½ teaspoon
For the Marinade
- Yogurt (Curd) – ½ cup (fresh and thick)
- Roasted gram flour (Besan) – 1 tablespoon
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1½ teaspoons
- Lemon juice – 2 teaspoons
- Coriander-cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
- Chaat masala – 2 teaspoons
- Kasuri methi (Dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tablespoon (crushed in palms)
- Salt – To taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, roasted gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, garam masala, chaat masala, kasuri methi, and salt. Whisk well to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.
2. Mix Vegetables and Potatoes
Now, add the half-boiled potato pieces, onion, tomatoes, and capsicum to this spicy yogurt mixture. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. The Smoky Magic
Set the mixture aside in the bowl and place a small bowl in the center. Place the heated coal in it and pour a little ghee over it. Immediately cover the bowl and leave it for 2-3 minutes so that the mixture absorbs the smoky aroma.
4. Skewer the Ingredients
Now, thread the potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and capsicum pieces one by one onto skewers. Repeat this sequence until the entire skewer is full.
5. Tandoori Grilling
Grill directly on the gas or in the oven. Cook until golden brown on all sides, basting with melted butter in between to enhance the flavor. This process takes about 3-4 minutes.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the hot tandoori aloo with green coriander-mint chutney and pickled onions. You can sprinkle a little chaat masala and lemon juice on top if desired. This recipe is also very popular with tea or as a party starter.
Why is this Tandoori Aloo Special?
- Pure Vegetarian Option: Enjoy the tandoori flavor without non-veg ingredients.
- Spicy and Tangy: A perfect balance of chaat masala, garam masala, and lemon juice.
- Smoky Aroma: The tandoori flavor feels authentic with the coal smoke.
- For Everyone from Kids to Adults: Mildly spicy, crispy, and healthy.
Tandoori Aloo is a delicious and fragrant example of a traditional North Indian recipe, loved by people of all ages. Its smoky flavor, spicy marinade, and crispy texture make it a perfect party snack and weekend treat. You can easily prepare it at home and impress your guests too. Tandoori Aloo is an example of an excellent balance of taste, health, and presentation – do try it once.
