| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 22g | 6g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 30g | 0.75g |
There’s an exhilarating charisma that comes with crafting a dish like Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks. The warm, enticing aroma engulfs my kitchen, transporting me far away from my Miami home, straight into the heart of India. This recipe speaks to my passion for adventurous cross-cultural cooking, a tasteful convergence of my Hispanic roots and the captivating flavors of the East.
A Journey of the Senses
What truly enamors me about this dish is the dance of flavors it births. The drumsticks, succulent and rich, enveloped in a vibrant tapestry of spices all entwined with the cooling sway of plain yogurt and searing heat of freshly grated ginger. It is an exciting symphony, with notes of cumin and coriander providing an earthy harmony. This fiery ballet culminates with the sharp zing of lemon juice and the bold kick of cayenne pepper. This wonderful concoction mirrors my dance floor, where each flavor twirls around, uniting to create an experience, an emotion, a story.
In Unison with Health
Aside from the soul-pleasing flavor, this recipe is laden with health benefits. Drumsticks, being a source of lean protein, provide the body with essential nutrients. The inclusion of ginger and turmeric blesses this dish with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, yogurt enhances digestion and boosts immunity. Each ingredient, in its own way, contributes to a healthier you.
Recreating this dish is akin to painting a lush, fragrant picture of India. However, its tropical undertones, elevated by the kiss of lemon, make it a tantalizing pair for a Cuban staple, Moros y Cristianos(Black beans and rice). The harmonious blend of Caribbean grains and Indian spices creates a global fiesta right on your palette.
Every aspect of cooking the Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks, from marinating the meat to grilling it to succulent perfection, is an enticing dance that I have come to adore. This recipe is not just a testament to my love for fusion cuisine, but it’s a melody that resonates with my personal story, bringing out the tapas queen in me and the dance teacher that I am. It’s a dish that transcends borders and unites cultures – a true culinary masterpiece.
What You’ll Need
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons tandoori masala
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Method
Step One
Firstly, make small slits on the chicken drumsticks using a sharp knife. This will help the marinade to seep into the drumsticks giving it a deeper flavor. Set aside.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
Step Three
Add the chicken drumsticks into the large mixing bowl, ensuring that all drumsticks are coated evenly with the marinade. After ensuring the drumsticks are well coated, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Step Four
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle some vegetable oil over the drumsticks. This will aid in getting a good char on the drumsticks while baking.
Step Five
Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a beautiful charred look. Don’t forget to turn the drumsticks halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Six
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step Seven
Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Your Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks are ready to be savored. Enjoy!
