OVEN BAKED TANDOORI CHICKEN

An Advertiser's Dream

Happiness, youth, success, status, luxury, fashion, beauty… universal desires right? They are also the themes global advertisers rely on. Advertising campaigns suggest solutions to problems lie within consumerism. Most people don’t have an outlet for any real change and in this way advertising presents an ideal means of social energy. They market an opportunity for participation; an accepted form of

action.

Who could resist when Pepsi encouraged people in America to “Join the Pepsi Generation” or people in Brazil to “Join the Revolution.” For many, the only power they yield is their consumption and brand loyalty. So, in many countries, where traces western life floods the media, you can see the effects of the “participation” advertisers sell to the world.

India's Food Culture

In India, as the middle-class’s spending power steadily increases and more people enter the work force we can see the beginnings of a culture shift. More people are now exposed to international cuisine through media and travel, changing their tastes and making India a fresh market for advertisers. Once a culture that proudly owned a cuisine rich in tradition and culinary customs, India is now beginning, mainly by way of the media, to introduce newcomers to the dinner table. Many people can now vividly describe what a pizza is, what a burger is, what chicken nuggets are, however they might not be able to tell you what garam marsala is made of.

The industry estimates the Indian media and entertainment sector will reach $100 billion by 2025, allowing more and more global players to enter the Indian media market. Brands like Coca-Cola, McDonalds and KFC are gaining popularity and becoming ubiquitous, especially among India’s youth. The youth associates western brands and foods with style and sexiness. They yearn to leave the antiquated cuisine of their parents’ behind.

Today, in an effort to keep the Indian flavor alive, I tried my hand at a traditional Indian dish... Tandoori Chicken.

OVEN BAKED

TANDOORI CHICKEN

Tandoori chicken is traditionally made in a tandoor oven or grilled on a grill, but because of El Niño and my lack of an actual tandoor oven I adapted this recipe to create oven baked tandoori chicken.

The best tandoori chicken comes from bone in chicken legs and thighs. Deep slashes are cut into the chicken to enhance the flavor of the marinade. The marinade is made with yogurt, lemon juice, and bold spices. Tandoori chicken is usually a reddish color but can also be yellow depending on how much turmeric is used. I used a lot (and honestly, my paprika was from the discount section of the grocery store so I’m not sure it was the best quality) resulting in a yellow marinade.

Let’s dig in.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon cayenne 1 Tbsp garam masala 1 Tbsp sweet (not hot) paprika 1 cup plain yogurt 2 Tbsp lemon juice 4 minced garlic cloves 2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon salt 4 whole chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs), or its equivalent, skinless, bone-in

Directions

Begin by prepping your chicken. I used skin on, bone in chicken thighs and legs, but any cut can be used instead. Remove extra skin, rinse and pat dry.

**Note: After some research, I think the chicken should actually be skinless, but mine turned out just fine.

Now add spices to about 3 tbsp of heated vegetable oil. Cook until fragrant, for about 3 minutes. When finished you’ll be left with a thick rub. Let the rub cool completely.

Fold the cooled rub into a cup of yogurt along with minced ginger, minced garlic and lemon juice.

Smear the chicken with the rub and refrigerate for at lease an hour; ideally 6 but no more than 10.

When you're ready to cook the chicken, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and top with greased racks. Place the chicken on the grill racks and cook for 30 minutes. Rotate After the first 30 minutes and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the juices run clear.

To get the dark color and chared flavor place under the broiler for 5 minutes on each side.

Remove from the oven and lest rest for at least 5 minutes. When the chicken has had a chance to rest you’re ready to dig in. Serve with basmati rice or nana… or both!

#food #tandoori #chicken #indian