The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Using a Home Tandoor for Authentic Indian Cuisine
Are you a fan of authentic Tandoori cuisine? Do you crave the rich flavors and aromatic spices that make Tandoori food so unique and delicious? If so, then having a home tandoor is a must for you. This ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know about choosing and using a home tandoor to create mouthwatering Indian dishes in the comfort of your own backyard/patio/outdoor kitchen.
A tandoor is a traditional clay oven used in Indian, Mediterranean, Middle eastern cooking commonly called in different names Turkish: Tandır , Arabic: نور , Punjabi: ਤੰਦੂਰ , Persian: تنور, Hindi: तन्दूर , Urdu: تندور, Bengali: তন্দূর , Armenian: Թոնիր and more to create breads like tandoori roti, tandoori naan, flat breads from different regions of the world like lavash, tandir, tannir, tannur, and even specialty breads like the samsa and so many more that are done in a tandoor oven along with grilled marinated meats and vegetables. It's the secret behind those smoky and juicy tandoori chicken tikka or those perfectly fluffy garlic naans. But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's where this guide comes in.
We'll walk you through the different types of home tandoors, their features, and how to select the one that best suits your needs. Frequently asked questions like gas tandoor or charcoal tandoor or a square shape or a round shape. We'll also cover essential tips on using a tandoor, from preheating techniques to cooking temperatures, so that you can achieve authentic Indian flavors every time.
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and take your Indian cooking to the next level with the help of a home tandoor.
What is a tandoor and its significance in Indian cuisine
A tandoor is a traditional clay oven that has been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries. Originating in the subcontinent (there are debates on the tandoor origin and so much information is available over the internet and various tandoor books as to where it originated), this unique cooking vessel has played a crucial role in shaping the flavors and textures of many iconic Indian dishes. The tandoor is typically a cylindrical clay or metal oven that is heated to extremely high temperatures, often reaching up to 900°F (480°C). Different cultures have given the tandoor various names like the tandir, tannur etc but the concept of using the heated walls to cook bread is the same.
The clay pot in the tandoor oven is very different to the metal pot that comes in specific types of tandoori cuisines. The quality of the clay, the way it is built up to form a pot and the thickness plays the maximum role in providing great tasting bread. The heat retention in the tandoor oven due to the type of clay and the insulation plays a bigger role in determining the easiness to cook tandoori food. Metal pot tandoors require a lot of skill and are not easy to use so not recommended for the home user plus they are really difficult to maintain for hygiene and a home user should never be getting one unless they have the experience of using it and can maintain it in the country and environment they are living outside India.
The intense heat of the tandoor allows for the rapid cooking of various foods, resulting in a distinctive charred and smoky flavor that is unmatched by conventional ovens. This cooking method is particularly well-suited for breads, such as tandoori naan, tandoori roti, and tandoori paratha, as well as for grilling meats, poultry, and vegetables. The intense heat seals in the juices and imparts a unique caramelized crust, creating a depth of flavor that is simply divine.
The significance of the tandoor in Indian cuisine cannot be overstated. It has been a staple in the kitchens of royal palaces, street food vendors, and home cooks alike, serving as a centerpiece of culinary traditions and cultural identity. The tandoor has become synonymous with the rich, vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, making it a must-have for any serious home cook who aspires to recreate authentic Indian dishes in their own kitchen.
Benefits of cooking with a home tandoor
Cooking with a home tandoor offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Firstly, the intense heat generated by the tandoor allows for the rapid cooking of various foods, resulting in a unique texture and flavor profile that cannot be replicated in a conventional oven or on a stovetop.
The high heat of the tandoor helps to lock in the natural juices and flavors of the ingredients, creating a mouthwatering and tender result. This is particularly evident in the preparation of tandoori meats, where the marinade is infused into the meat, creating a delectable and succulent dish. Additionally, the tandoor's ability to evenly distribute heat ensures that the food is cooked to perfection, with a perfectly crisp exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.
Another significant benefit of using a home tandoor is the versatility it offers. Beyond the classic naan and tandoori dishes, a home tandoor can be used to prepare a wide range of Indian and international dishes, from grilled vegetables and paneer to kebabs and even pizza. This diversity allows home cooks to explore a vast array of culinary possibilities and expand their culinary horizons, making the tandoor a valuable asset in any modern kitchen.
New accessories development for the tandoor ovens has created greater opportunities for tandoori cooking for the home tandoor user and even for the commercial tandoor user. Using these new accessories for the tandoor oven one can offer unique variety of tandoori cooked dishes that traditionally were not done in a tandoor oven.
The traditional approach of tandoori cooking in a tandoor has been to either use the heated walls for bread and the skewers for tandoori skewered food which leaves out a variety of produce and meats that cannot be skewered to be cooked in a tandoor for the smokey flavor and the great tandoori taste with juices locked in and the ultra-fast speed of cooking.
A few examples of tandoori unconventional cooking in a tandoor though not limited to your creativity for tandoori food from a tandoor oven are –
· Tandoori Chai – Tandoori Tea
o It boils at super speed
o Tastes very different than tea made in non-stick boiling pans
o Give you the nostalgic local tandoori flavor
o Tandoor Pizza plate attachment (available for home & commercial tandoors) can be used to create this wonderful tandoori chai.
· Burger Patties
o One would love the smokey flavor of these burner patties done in the flat pizza plate attachment for the burgers.
o Its awesomely fast and tasty and smokey changing the way a burger now tastes as Tandoori Burger
· Tofu Tandoori
o Doing tofu on a skewer is very tricky and the easiest way to do tofu is to use a pizza plate attachment making your tandoori food at home more nutritious.
· Small Shrimp
o Almost impossible to skewer and get them out in time from the tandoor.
o Best way to cook small shrimp in a tandoor oven is to place them on a pizza plate attachment using either ceramic plate or a cast iron skillet to get great tandoori done shrimp
· Variety of seafood that cannot be skewered
o Restaurants serve tandoori cooked seafood using the commercial pizza attachment to the tandoor.
o Similar attachment in smaller sizes is available for the home tandoor oven so you can try cooking not just indian cuisine but other cuisines too in a tandoor oven.
· Tandoori Bread Sandwich
o Easiest and the fastest way to grill cook tandoori sandwiches in your tandoor
o Just place the filled sandwich on the pizza tray and it comes out fast as a smoked tandoori bread sandwich
· Tandoori Garlic Bread
o Instead of the pan or the oven just pop in your garlic bread ready to be cooked in a tandoor using the tandoori pizza attachment and enjoy the garlic bread with the tandoori flavor.
· Tandoori Meat Tree Hanger Accessory
o Just hang in the meat with your own recipe on this metal tree accessory for the tandoor oven and put the tree inside the tandoor
o The drip juices from the meat shall burn in the intense heat and provide further smokey flavor to the meat and keep it moist on the inside.
The list is limited to your creativity in doing tandoori cooking using the new accessories for the tandoor oven over just traditionally cooking tandoori food.
Types of home tandoors available in the market
When it comes to home tandoors, there is a wide range of options available in the market, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Understanding the different types of home tandoors can help you make an informed decision when choosing the one that best suits your needs and kitchen setup.
· Bare Clay Pot Tandoor Oven
o This is not a tandoor for home as a bare clay cannot be and should not be used for tandoori cooking without an enclosure or embedded deep in earth in your backyard
o Every clay pot is required to be pre-heated to a certain point before it is shipped to maintain hygiene of natural clay but the bare clay pots for tandoor ovens cannot be heated due to the nature of the clay disintegrating without an enclosure holding.
o These clay pots for tandoors should be avoided unless you know how to fix the bare clay pot in an enclosure for hygiene and your own safety.
· Drum Tandoors or Barrel Tandoors
o 55-gallon standard barrels are converted and fitted with the clay pot with glass wool insulation and though some are painted the others are covered in stainless steel to look better
o These types of tandoors are the most economical since they are manufactured using old oil barrels and most of them if not all use questionable insulation and materials.
o Due to their price range and stock availability with all re-sellers in the market these are widely sold
· Square Body Double Insulated Tandoors
o These are the best available tandoors as the clay pot is fired before packing making it more hygienic
o The double insulation ensures that more heat is resident inside the tandoor oven making it easier for the home user to cook tandoori food.
o The best square body tandoors are made with a double body and ceramic insulation making them not only perform better and easier to achieve tandoori cooking for the home tandoor user.
· Gas Safety Tandoors with Auto Ignition
o The best tandoors for home outdoor use
o Easy to work
o Tandoor comes with gas safety and auto ignition
o The only drawback with these tandoors is that these cannot be used on charcoal but unlike tandoors that can be used on charcoal and gas both these are safer tandoors for your home outdoors.
· Designer Tandoors
o Great looking tandoors for your home outdoors
o Blend in the outdoor setting standing out from the standard drum tandoors these designers round tandoors are double insulated with ceramic
o So not only do they look great they also perform the best in the outdoor home tandoor category of designer tandoors.
· Copper Tandoor Ovens
o A lot of sellers are providing copper clad tandoors for home user. These are very difficult to maintain outdoors. A home user should avoid getting these tandoors.
o Invest in this copper or copper coated stainless-steel tandoor only if you are aware that you can maintain the same in an outdoor environment in your home.
o Copper tandoor ovens are great for live kitchens in restaurants where they can be maintained and look great because of daily care.
Factors to consider when choosing a home tandoor
Selecting the right home tandoor can be a daunting task, given the wide range of options available in the market. However, by considering the following factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the tandoor that best suits your needs and outdoor kitchen setup.
Number of people to serve – All tandoors irrespective of size, shape, type and fuel being used would cook tandoori food. It’s the time window that you need to work on to determine the size of the tandoor to serve the number of people that you intend to serve with the size of the tandoori food portion.
Small families with very limited guests would require a small size tandoor to serve tandoori food in the given time frame – if you can run the tandoor oven in multiple sessions of fuel and your preparation then you can cater to a greater number of people.
Example – For a family of 4 to 6 people sitting together and enjoying tandoori cooking the GT-400 BBS tandoor would suffice and if you intend to cater to more people say 10 then you would need to practice on your tandoori cooking skills to deliver the number of skewers or breads from the same tandoor but yes, it’s possible. The small portable tandoor can deliver to more people, but you would require more marinated skewers or breads dough to be ready and we are not running a restaurant or catering service thus need to enjoy doing tandoori for ourselves and our guests requiring a larger size tandoor that can cook for more people at the same time saving us the time to sit and enjoy while doing tandoori.
This is the reason that we have considered the novice home tandoor user when we mark the number of people a tandoor size can cater. Have a look at the sizes of tandoors available on LINK https://www.homeoftandoors.com/tandoors
Larger number of guests or members would require extra set of skewers to be prepared and these skewers and other tandoor accessories are available on LINK https://www.homeoftandoors.com/accessories
Space - One of the primary factors to consider is the size of the tandoor. Home tandoors come in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact models suitable for small groups to larger, freestanding units that can accommodate a wider range of dishes. Assess your available outdoor space and the size of the dishes you plan to cook to determine the ideal tandoor size. Do note that if your outdoor space for tandoori oven placement does not have a rain / snow shed then you would need to accommodate space in a covered area like a garage when the tandoor is not in use especially during rains or snow as a tandoor oven cannot be left out in the open without protection from Rain and Snow.
Charcoal versus Gas Tandoors or the 2 in 1 tandoor famously known as Dual Fuel Tandoors
The biggest debate for a tandoor oven be it for home use or commercial restaurant banquet or catering use – Charcoal or Gas as a fuel for your tandoor oven.
Writing about charcoal being used in a tandoor can be done not in pages but in books that can be written about it. Since the inception of the concept of cooking in a tandoor charcoal or wood or wood charcoal has been the primary fuel and the flavor it imparts on the food cannot be compared to a gas tandoor.
Its not only the charcoal flavor – for most home users this could come as a surprise that the charcoal run tandoor is much easier to use compared to a gas tandoor. The reason for this is that charcoal run tandoors are very easy to work on since the heat is very stable inside the tandoor versus the gas tandoor where the hot draft of air is always trying to come out of the mouth of the tandoor.
Home tandoor user’s biggest dilemma as per the feedback we have received in the last 25 years of this tandoor manufacturing is cleaning of the charcoal soot versus gas. So, its convenience versus taste from a tandoor so if one is willing to let go of the charcoal taste from a home tandoor then gas is the only other option.
For a commercial restaurant tandoor user, the restrictions on type of hood for extraction of smoke make it easier for them to work on a gas tandoor whereas chefs that want to serve very authentic taste of breads still work on charcoal run tandoor ovens in restaurants.
2 in 1 tandoor – where incorrect marketing is happening for a home tandoor user and some sellers state that the charcoal and gas can be used in the same tandoor. No – it’s either gas or charcoal and not both of them at the same time making one believe that while using gas they can achieve the taste of charcoal.
Its no rocket science – soot from the charcoal would eventually clog the burner kept inside whatever mechanism one tries to put or market.
Even though all home tandoor ovens are only designed to be used outdoor and so is the 2 – in – 1 tandoor of gas and charcoal combination but it is advised never to use gas and charcoal together in the tandoor oven be it home or commercial.
Why not to use the home tandoor oven indoors inside the home kitchen unless…..
Tandoors for home use are never to be used indoors – they are only recommended to be used outdoors.
A lot of customers do call us debating about the capacity of the extraction hood they have installed and the high btu connection line they have indoors in the kitchen for the tandoor oven but one might have the best setup and we would still recommend not to use the tandoor oven indoors at home.
The reason for this is very simple – your contractor and you were able to achieve all the requirements for safety and carbon monoxide extraction but what about handling hot skewers that come out of the tandoor oven red hot. In most kitchens the surfaces around the tandoor oven are not designed to handle red hot metal skewers thus posing a risk.
Only if you have the right people to work on your tandoor oven and have designed a kitchen that is set up to handle the vent and gas line then only plan to get the safety gas tandoor for your home. Do ensure to check with your local gas authority and fire department in your state/county before proceeding with the installation.
Proper setup and maintenance of a home tandoor
Proper setup and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your home tandoor. Whether you've chosen a charcoal tandoor or gas tandoor model, following these guidelines will help you get the most out of your investment.
To set up your home tandoor, begin by finding a suitable location Outdoors. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated and away from any flammable materials. For tandoors, it's essential to season the interior before use, which involves heating the tandoor to a medium temperature and then allowing it to cool completely. This process helps to create a protective layer that enhances the tandoor's performance and prevents cracking.
Make sure, as mentioned above to have one area for installation of the tandoor and if you plan to have a portable tandoor without any overhead protection then you would need some space to store it during non-usage or days of rain or snow.
Maintaining a home tandoor requires regular cleaning and care. For tandoors, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any food residue or ash from the interior. Ash removal can be avoided after every run in a charcoal tandoor as this acts as a classic insulator and works better when firing the next lot. Remove ash when it accumulates enough to take space for your charcoal air grate in the tandoor. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the clay. Gas Tandoors, on the other hand, can be cleaned of food debris with a soft brush and even a vacuum cleaner (only once the tandoor has cooled down) Do not use any detergents or cleaning agents on the clay ever. It's important to unplug the tandoor from the gas source and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. For prolonged non-use periods store your tandoor ovens in a dry place away from any rain or snow. For gas tandoors, ensure to clean the tandoor completely before long terms storage as the gas parts can accumulate dust and would require cleaning before the next operation.
Each tandoor is supplied with a usage and installation manual. Kindly follow the same. For gas tandoor oven installed at home outdoor follow your local gas code policies based on the county/state/country of installation of the tandoor oven.
Essential accessories for cooking in a home tandoor
To fully harness the power of your home tandoor and achieve authentic Indian flavors, it's essential to have the right accessories on hand. These specialized tools and equipment can greatly enhance your cooking experience and help you create professional-quality dishes in your own kitchen.
The article on tandoori accessories LINK www.homeoftandoors.com/tandoor-advisor/tandoor-oven-accessories-to-elevate-your-tandoori-cuisine-skills shall give you a better insight on the right tandoor accessories for your home tandoor that can greatly enhance your tandoori cooking experience and assist you in being creative towards mastering your tandoori cooking skills.
Traditional Indian recipes to cook in a home tandoor
One of the primary reasons for investing in a home tandoor is the opportunity to recreate the authentic flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. From the iconic tandoori chicken to the fluffy tandoori naan, a home tandoor opens a world of culinary possibilities.
Tandoori chicken is a classic dish that showcases the power of the tandoor. Marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, the chicken is cooked at high heat, resulting in a charred exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. Serve the tandoori chicken with a side of cooling raita and some freshly baked tandoori naan for a true taste of India.
Another beloved tandoor-cooked dish is the humble tandoori naan. This fluffy, leavened flatbread is a staple in Indian cuisine and pairs perfectly with curries, dals, and kebabs. Using a home tandoor, you can achieve the perfect naan texture, with a slightly charred exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Experiment with different naan variations, such as garlic naan, onion kulcha, or even stuffed naan.
Tandoori cooking recipe are available on the site LINK
Tips and tricks for using a home tandoor effectively
Mastering the art of using a home tandoor takes practice, but with the right techniques and tips, you can achieve consistent, delicious results every time. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your home tandoor:
Preheating is key: Ensure that your home tandoor is thoroughly preheated before adding any food. This allows the interior to reach the necessary high temperatures for optimal cooking.
Another wrong belief is that the gas tandoor heats up faster compared to a charcoal tandoor or a small tandoor takes less time than a larger tandoor. All charcoal and gas tandoor ovens take about 45 minutes to 90 minutes for pre-heating be It gas fuel in the tandoor or charcoal and any kind of charcoal, wood charcoal, briquettes, lump etc. Only the electric commercial tandoor oven heats up faster in comparison as it can hold the heat more on the inside since the electric tandoor does not require a vent on the tandoor for escape of smoke or gases during the pre-heating period.
Maintain the temperature: Keeping the tandoor at the right temperature is crucial for achieving perfect results. A thermometer in a tandoor oven really is of very little use as tandoori cooking happens in zones and one thermometer cannot show the right zone temperature. A tandoor oven can be heated to the required heat in a few minutes, but the key is that the clay pot should hold the heat all the way for it to perform and this requires time, a good 45 minutes to an hour plus.
Be it infrared temperature gauges or analog, knowing the time your tandoor is ready to cook is best known with practice. Skewers are placed in the middle whereas naan bread is slapped on the wall, the wall below is hotter than the wall closer to the mouth of the tandoor so the temperature gauge is not delivering what it is intended for in a tandoor as the tandoor oven is not a conventional or convection closed oven where the temperature can be monitored. In the case of charcoal tandoor ovens or gas tandoor ovens the flow of heat must happen for the tandoor to perform unlike resident temperature in a standard closed oven whatsoever the fuel being user.
Weather also works on the heating time for the tandoor oven. Same size and model tandoors in Seattle would take more time to heat than Arizona on the same date and this is obvious especially for an outdoor portable tandoor oven.
Avoid opening the tandoor door or mouth cover too frequently, as this can cause the temperature to drop significantly.
Safety precautions when using a home tandoor
Using a home tandoor requires special care and attention to ensure your safety and the well-being of your outdoor installed area or outdoor kitchen. The extreme heat generated by these appliances can pose serious risks if not handled properly. By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of your home tandoor while minimizing the potential for accidents or injuries.
Firstly, always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the tandoor or any hot items that come out of it. The exterior of the tandoor can become incredibly hot, and even brief contact can result in severe burns. This happens in the standard round models that are not insulated with ceramic. Square models and round designer series are treated with layers of ceramic insulation and though the tandoor would get hot on the outside but not in comparison to a drum tandoor with stainless steel wrapped around it. Keep children away from the tandoor when in use and even when not in use as a tandoor can remain very hot for long hours even after shutting it down. Additionally, ensure that the tandoor is placed on a stable, level surface, away from any flammable materials or high-traffic areas in your outdoor kitchen.
When cooking in the tandoor, be mindful of the placement of your hands and arms. Avoid reaching deep into the hot interior, and use the appropriate tools, such as tandoor tongs, to safely insert and remove items. It's also essential to keep a safe distance from the tandoor while it's in use, as sudden flare-ups or food fat burning can pose a hazard.
Skewers from the tandoor oven would always come out red hot – ensure to use a skewer stand to keep these hot skewers after removing food as they can remain very hot for a long time. You can also use a metal bowl filled with water to cool of tandoori skewer tips after it comes out of the tandoor and the food has been removed using tongs.
Special care must be taken to ensure that there are no combustible surfaces for accidental damage from the skewers as they are hot and long for larger tandoor ovens.
Safety instructions are provided in detail with the user manual that accompanies the tandoor ovens. Do read before using. If you have any questions, follow our frequently asked questions sections or contact us for more information.
Conclusion: Embrace the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine with a home tandoor
Embracing the power of a home tandoor is the key to unlocking the rich, authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in your own home. Whether you choose a traditional charcoal model or a modern gas tandoor version, this versatile cooking appliance offers a unique and unparalleled culinary experience.
By mastering the art of using a home tandoor, you'll be able to recreate iconic Indian dishes with all the smoky, charred, and juicy qualities that make them so irresistible. From fluffy tandoori naan and tender tandoori meats to grilled vegetables and even creative fusion dishes, the possibilities are endless.
Investing in a home tandoor is not just about acquiring a new kitchen tool – it's about embarking on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant and diverse flavors of India. So, step outdoors, fire up your tandoor, and let the aromas of authentic Indian cuisine transport you to a world of rich, mouthwatering delights.