Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent chicken wings, lavishly marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. Tandoori chicken wings are a delightful fusion of traditional Indian cuisine and the universally loved chicken wing, bursting with vibrant colors and mouthwatering tastes that promise to transport you straight to the bustling streets of India. The smoky, charred exterior gives way to tender, juicy meat, infused with the essence of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic, and ginger, making every bite a celebration of culinary artistry.
Tandoori Chicken Wings:
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Wings:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
– Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed in the yogurt.
– Add the chicken wings to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
– Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
3. Bake the Wings:
– Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
– Drizzle a little vegetable oil over the wings to help them crisp up during baking.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time, until the wings are golden brown and slightly charred.
4. Serve:
– Transfer the baked tandoori wings to a serving platter.
– Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
– Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes:
– You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder.
– To get an authentic tandoori flavor, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade, though this is optional.
– These wings can also be served with raita (yogurt sauce) for a cooling contrast.
