Forget bland broccoli! This vibrant Tandoori Broccoli recipe transforms the humble vegetable into a flavour-packed, healthy, and utterly delicious starter or side dish. Imagine tender broccoli florets, infused with the aromatic warmth of tandoori spices – a delightful blend of smoky paprika, fiery chili, and fragrant coriander. The grilling process adds a beautiful char, enhancing the natural sweetness of the broccoli and creating a captivating smoky aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time.
Ready to experience the magic of Tandoori Broccoli? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this flavorful masterpiece together, transforming your next meal with a burst of exciting Indian-inspired cuisine. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can elevate a simple vegetable into a culinary delight.
Tools Needed
- Steaming tray
- Bowl
- Grill pan or oven
- Brush
Ingredients
- Broccoli head: 1 large
- Hung curd (strained yogurt): 1 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons
- Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Chaat masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 1/2 lemon
- Ghee or oil: a little
- Cucumber, carrot, onion: for salad (optional)
- Mint chutney: for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli head into medium-sized pieces. Wash thoroughly.
- Steam the broccoli pieces for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, salt, kasuri methi, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Marinate the steamed broccoli pieces in the prepared marinade for about an hour, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 2. Grill the Broccoli
- Grease a grill pan with ghee or oil.
- Grill the marinated broccoli pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-low heat, brushing occasionally with ghee or oil.
- Once grilled on all sides, remove from the pan.
Step 3. Prepare the Garnish (Optional)
- Serve the tandoori broccoli with cucumber, carrot, and onion salad and mint chutney (optional).
Read more: Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Sabji: Easy & Delicious Indian Recipe
Tips
- Hung curd is regular yogurt strained through a muslin cloth to remove excess water.
- You can use a regular oven or grill if you don't have a grill pan.
- Cauliflower can be used in place of or in addition to broccoli.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and browning.
2. What can I substitute for yogurt in the marinade?
Plain kefir or even a little buttermilk can work well as a substitute for yogurt, though the flavor profile might be slightly different.
3. How long can I store leftover Tandoori Broccoli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
This Tandoori Broccoli recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. From its vibrant color to its smoky char and irresistible spice blend, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this healthy and delicious starter, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spice levels to suit your palate!