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Don’t serve tandoori chicken without one of these side dishes
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine with a rich history dating back about a century. Originating in Pakistan, the bright red, crispy skin version of tandoori chicken commonly served today gained popularity thanks to a man named Kundan Lal Gujral. When Gujral opened a restaurant in Delhi, he not only popularized tandoori chicken, but also helped introduce Indian food as a whole to a wider audience.
When it comes to serving tandoori chicken, it’s important to choose side dishes that complement its highly spiced and flavorful nature. By opting for dishes that are on the simpler side, you can ensure a well-balanced meal that allows the chicken itself to shine. Here are two classic side dishes that pair perfectly with tandoori chicken:
Pair Tandoori Chicken with Pulao
Rice pulao, the Indian version of rice pilaf, is an excellent choice to accompany tandoori chicken. Pulao is a simple dish that serves as the perfect accompaniment to the complex flavors of tandoori chicken. Unlike regular steamed rice, pulao is cooked by first sautéing dried rice with aromatics such as onion and garlic before cooking in a spiced broth or liquid.
To make a delicious pulao, you’ll want to use spices like cumin, cloves, turmeric, curry powder, and cinnamon. Many pulao recipes also call for bay leaves and chicken stock to add flavor to the rice as it cooks. In addition, raisins or currants, nuts, and fresh herbs can be added at the end for added texture and flavor.
Tandoori chicken pairs well with naan
Naan, a traditional Indian bread, is an essential accompaniment to tandoori chicken. While naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, it can easily be prepared on the stovetop or in the oven. With a few basic baking ingredients like yeast, flour, and yogurt, you can whip up naan bread just before dinner.
To put your own spin on naan, experiment with variations like garlic naan, cheese naan, or other toppings of your choice. If you prefer a vegan option, swap out the yogurt for a plant-based alternative. Naan’s signature tangy flavor and soft texture make it the perfect bread to complement the spice of tandoori chicken.
In conclusion, when serving tandoori chicken, it’s important to choose side dishes that enhance its flavors and provide a well-rounded meal. Rice pulao and naan bread are two classic and delicious options that perfectly complement the richness and spiciness of tandoori chicken. By pairing tandoori chicken with these side dishes, you can create a memorable and satisfying dining experience for yourself and your guests.
FAQS
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, known for its bright red color and smoky flavor. It is traditionally prepared by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and garlic. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven, which gives it a unique charred and slightly crispy texture.
Where does tandoori chicken come from?
Tandoori chicken originated in Pakistan, with the modern version gaining popularity about 100 years ago. It is believed to have been popularized by a man named Kundan Lal Gujral, who later opened a restaurant in Delhi, India. Gujral’s restaurant was instrumental in introducing tandoori chicken, and Indian cuisine in general, to a wider audience.
What are some side dishes that go well with tandoori chicken?
There are several side dishes that complement the bold flavors of tandoori chicken. Two classic options are rice pulao and naan bread. Rice pulao, a spiced rice dish cooked with aromatic ingredients, is a flavorful and simple accompaniment. Naan bread, a soft and pillowy Indian bread, is perfect for soaking up the flavors of tandoori chicken.
Can I customize the flavor of rice pulao?
Yes! Rice pulao offers a lot of room for customization. You can experiment with different spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Common additions include cumin, cloves, turmeric, curry powder, and cinnamon. You can also add raisins or currants, nuts, and fresh herbs to add texture and enhance the flavor of the pulao.
Can I make naan bread without a tandoor?
Absolutely! While naan bread is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, you can easily make it on the stovetop or in the oven. The key is to use yeast, flour, and yogurt to make the dough. The dough is then rolled out and cooked on a hot pan or baked in the oven until it puffs up and develops a slightly charred exterior.
Are there any alternatives to naan bread?
If you prefer a different bread option, you can try other Indian breads such as roti or paratha. These breads have a different texture and flavor profile, but can still pair well with tandoori chicken. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can explore options like gluten-free flatbreads or even serve tandoori chicken with a side of steamed basmati rice.