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Tandoori Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tandoori

[tรฆndสŠษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cooking style

Tandoori refers to a traditional cooking method originating from the Indian subcontinent. It involves cooking food in a tandoor, which is a clay oven that uses charcoal or wood for heat. This cooking style typically imparts a smoky flavor to the food, often used for meats, poultry, and bread such as naan. The marinating process usually includes yogurt and a variety of spices, creating rich flavors and vibrant colors. Dishes prepared in this way are popular in Indian cuisine and have gained recognition worldwide.

Synonyms

barbecued, grilled, roasted.

Examples of usage

  • Tandoori chicken is a favorite among many.
  • She learned how to make tandoori naan.
  • The restaurant specializes in tandoori dishes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Tandoori cooking is a staple in Indian cuisine, often associated with celebratory meals and gatherings.
  • It reflects a blend of various regional spices and cooking techniques, representing Indiaโ€™s diverse culinary heritage.
  • Tandoori dishes have become popular worldwide, often seen on Indian restaurant menus in various countries.

Food Science

  • The intense heat of the tandoor helps create a unique char on meats, sealing in juices while adding a smoky flavor.
  • Marinating meat in yogurt and spices before cooking in a tandoor promotes tenderness and adds richness.
  • The high temperatures (over 900ยฐF) achieve a quick cook, which helps enhance flavors without drying out the food.

Pop Culture

  • Tandoori chicken has gained global recognition, appearing in numerous films and TV shows as a symbol of Indian cuisine.
  • Recipes for tandoori dishes are popular in cooking shows, showcasing the fusion of Indian flavors worldwide.
  • Various music artists have mentioned tandoori in songs, celebrating its cultural significance in diaspora communities.

Health Aspects

  • Tandoori cooking often uses marinades that include spices known for their health benefits, such as turmeric and ginger.
  • Grilling in a tandoor requires less oil compared to frying, making it a healthier cooking method.
  • The method preserves nutrients while imparting flavors, making it a favored choice for health-conscious eaters.

Origin of 'tandoori'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Persian word 'tandur,' which means oven.
  • This cooking method has roots in Central Asia and was brought to India over a thousand years ago.
  • Traditional clay ovens were often dug into the ground, which influenced the specific smoky flavor of the dishes.

The word 'tandoori' has its roots in the Persian language, specifically the word 'tandoor', which means 'oven'. The concept of the tandoor has existed for thousands of years, attributed mainly to the cooking practices in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. As cultures intermingled, particularly through trade and invasion, the technique spread to various regions. In India, tandoori cooking developed special regional varieties, especially linked to Punjabi cuisine, where it became synonymous with vibrant spices and flavored meats. The term 'tandoori' began to be widely adopted in the 20th century, particularly as Indian cuisine gained popularity throughout the world, leading to a fusion of traditional and modern interpretations of tandoori dishes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,636, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.