Tandoori Vegetable Skewers with Tamarind Dip
These Tandoori Vegetable Skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite vegetables. The yogurt-based marinade, infused with a vibrant blend of tandoori spices, transforms the vegetables into succulent, flavorful skewers. The accompanying tamarind dip adds a tangy and refreshing balance to the richness of the skewers, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish. Whether you're grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, these skewers are sure to impress your taste buds.
The origins of tandoori cuisine can be traced back to the bustling streets of Punjab, a region in northern India. In the early 16th century, cooks in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire experimented with various marinades and cooking techniques, seeking to create dishes that were both flavorful and visually appealing. They discovered that marinating meats and vegetables in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then grilling them in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor, resulted in tender, juicy, and aromatic delicacies. Over the centuries, tandoori cuisine spread beyond the royal courts, becoming a staple in homes and restaurants throughout the region. In recent decades, the popularity of tandoori dishes has soared worldwide, as people have come to appreciate the unique and vibrant flavors they offer.
Tandoori Vegetable Skewers with Tamarind Dip Tandoori Vegetable Skewers with Tamarind Dip Tandoori Vegetable Skewers with Tamarind Dip Tandoori Vegetable Skewers with Tamarind Dip
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound of assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms)
  • 1 cup of plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of tandoori masala
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup of tamarind pulp
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables, yogurt, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
  5. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the tamarind pulp with 1/4 cup of water. Stir until the tamarind is dissolved.
  7. Serve the vegetable skewers with the tamarind dip.
Why It Works
  • The yogurt marinade tenderizes the vegetables and helps them absorb the flavors of the spices.
  • The tandoori masala, with its blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the vegetables.
  • Grilling the skewers over high heat gives them a slightly charred exterior, adding a smoky and complex flavor.
  • The tamarind dip, with its sweet and tangy notes, provides a refreshing contrast to the flavorful skewers.