Tandoori skewers with cucumber raita

Tandoori Skewers with Cucumber Raita – A Culinary Experience at Home

When the summer heat invites us to enjoy barbecues but the weather isn't cooperating, we can turn any day into a taste celebration with this tandoori skewers recipe. Prepared on an electric grill, these skewers are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spend time with family in the comfort of your home. Whether you're a foodie looking for quick recipes or a cooking enthusiast wanting to impress your guests, tandoori skewers are the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

The History of Tandoori

The origins of tandoori lie in ancient culinary traditions where meat was cooked in clay ovens called tandoor. This cooking method imparts a unique flavor and juicy texture to the food, thanks to the high temperatures. Today, tandoori is a universal term associated with delicious dishes marinated in aromatic spices, and tandoori skewers contribute to modern cuisine.

Ingredients for the skewers:

- 1 chicken breast (about 500 g)
- 2 tablespoons of tandoori spice mix (see recipe below)
- 200 ml yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 zucchini

Ingredients for the raita:

- 100 ml yogurt
- 2 cucumbers
- a few sprigs of fresh mint

The tandoori spice mix contains: coriander, salt, fenugreek, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and nutmeg. You can adjust the spice mix according to your preferences.

Preparing the skewers

1. Preparing the meat: Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This helps with even marination and quick cooking.

2. Marinating: In a bowl, sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken cubes. Add the yogurt and tandoori spice mix, mixing well to coat each piece of meat. It's important to cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Before starting to cook, cut the tomatoes in half and the zucchini into slices of about 1.5 cm. These vegetables not only add color and flavor but will also cook quickly on the grill.

4. Grilling: Preheat the electric grill and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip them over and add the tomatoes and zucchini slices. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

5. Cooling and serving: Once the skewers are ready, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is important to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat.

Preparing the raita

6. Meanwhile, prepare the raita: Grate the two cucumbers, then squeeze them well to remove excess water. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the grated cucumbers and add the finely chopped mint. The mixture should be creamy and flavorful, perfect for balancing the spicy flavors of the tandoori chicken.

Serving

To serve, arrange the skewers on a platter alongside the grilled tomatoes and zucchini. Place the raita in a small bowl to be used as a dip. A delicious suggestion is to add a side of mashed potatoes or basmati rice for a complete lunch or dinner.

The Perfect Dessert

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, enjoy a simple orange dessert with cinnamon and honey alongside the skewers. This dessert is easy to prepare and will add a fresh and aromatic touch to the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This tandoori skewers recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. The cucumbers in the raita offer hydration and vitamins, and the spices in the tandoori mix have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use lamb, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. What kind of grill should I use?
An electric grill is perfect for cooking at home, but you can also use a gas or charcoal grill if the weather permits.

3. How can I adapt the recipe to make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or a bit of chopped fresh chili to the marinade.

4. How long can I keep the raita?
The raita keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

These tandoori skewers with cucumber raita are more than just a dish; they are an opportunity to enjoy moments spent with family, the intense flavors, and cooking at home. So, embrace the warmth of summer, even indoors, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of flavors. Enjoy your meal!