How to Cook Authentic Indian Foods Using Indoor Tandoors

Imagine the smell of smoky, char-grilled kebabs, the smoke of marinated paneer and the flaky suppleness of fresh naan. Tandoor cooking, the mainstay of Indian cooking, connotes flavor, culture and heat.

But the prospect of using a clay tandoor in the kitchen today doesn’t appeal to most of us. And this is where indoor tandoors are, a synecdoche of the ancient and the modern to bring the real tandoor feel to your home. 

In this post, we’ll be covering all you want to know about indoor tandoors: what they are, how they work, what you can cook in them, and why should you buy one? 

What is an Indoor Tandoor? 

Credits: Glen India

The ancient tandoor is a clay oven used for centuries throughout South Asia and the Middle East. Burnt on wood or charcoal, it burns hot, a great temperature to grill, roast and bake. Although tandoors traditionally have a characteristic smoky taste, they’re large, need to be kept outdoors, and they can be difficult to keep clean. 

Indoor tandoors, meanwhile, are small, electric units that mimic the high heat cookery of tandoors. These newer versions are easy, smokeless and safer to prepare authentic tandoori dishes at home.

With heating chambers and insulation, they will get to the same temperature so you won’t lose out on that trademark charred flavor. 

Why Choose an Indoor Tandoor?  

Credits: Glen India

It isn’t just that tandoor food is so good, but it’s also the healthiest food. Here’s why:  

Low Oil Cooking

Tandoori cooking is fast because the food gets cooked quickly and the juices are retained without excess oil or fat. 

Energy Conservation

Veggies, Beef, Breads are all preserved by the quick cook of the nutrients. 

Fat Loss

Excess fat evaporates while you grill so your meals are tidier. 

Preserves Flavors

High-temperature cooking maintains the original flavors of your ingredients so that you will get gastronomically delicious results every time. 

Convenience and Versatility  

There isn’t just one kind of indoor tandoor for Indian food. Although great for tandoori chicken, naan and kebabs, you can also grill vegetables, bake pizzas or even roast fish with it. It’s lightweight, which is good for tiny kitchens, and it’s electric, so you don’t have the messes of a traditional tandoor. 

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving  

Imagine what it costs to order tandoori in a restaurant. Using an indoor tandoor you can create those exact tastes, but for less money — and in less time than it takes to wait for the delivery man. 

What Can Be Prepared In an Indoor Tandoor?

Credits: Glen India

1. Classic Tandoori Dishes  

• Tandoori Chicken: Marinate chicken in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, then grill until done for soft, smokey goodness. 
• Paneer Tikka: Cubes of paneer marinated in spices and grilled until golden brown. 
• Seekh Kebabs: Cut up meat or veggies on skewers and cook until tender, succulent bite. 

2. Breads  

• Naan: Light, fluffy flatbreads to go with curries and gravies. 
• Parathas: Flat, layered Indian flatbreads slightly smokey. 
• Pita Bread: Fab for Mediterranean Wraps or Dips. 

3. Grilled Vegetables  

Tandoors can be used for grilling all kinds of vegetables from bell peppers to zucchini, mushrooms to corn, and you can grill everything with minimum oil in tandoors. 

4. International Favorites  

• Pizza: Ensure you have a crispy crust and melty cheese. 
• Grilled Fish: Shallow grilled, with smokey char. 
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Toast buns and grill patties in no time. 

What to Consider While Purchasing An Indoor Tandoor? 

To know more about indoor tandoor: 

1. Temperature Control  

You can cook all kinds of foods at different temperature settings without having to worry about them burning or cooking over. 

2. Non-Stick Surfaces  

Cooking and cleaning is easier and food will not stick to non-stick interiors. 

3. Stainless Steel Body  

Use high quality heat resistant material and get your tandoor to last for years and still look professional. 

4. Extra-Large Capacity  

When you are cooking for family or for a party, bigger tandoor will help you save time and prepare bigger portions in one. 

Best Indoor Tandoors by Glen India

Glen India has a collection of the finest quality electric tandoors which make it easier than ever to cook authentic Indian grilling at home. 

Here are two standout options:  

Electric Tandoor and Grill 1400W (5014 XL)

Features:  

• Bigger pot to roast more than one thing at once. 
• Stainless Steel body with matte finish. 
• Powerful heating element for fast, uniform cooking. 
• Perfect for tandoori dishes, grilling and baking. 

This is the model for family or anyone that likes to play with. It has a very large capacity which allows you to cook large portions whether that’s a whole batch of tandoori chicken or several naans. 

Electric Tandoor and Grill 1100W (5014)

Features:  

• Small but powerful build, great for smaller households. 
• Alloy steel case for high-quality appearance. 
• Quick-heating element for efficient cooking.  
• Ideal for kebabs, breads, etc. 

If you are not familiar with tandoor cooking or don’t have much space to set it up, this is a great model to start with. It packs real flavours without occupying too much space. 

Tips to Get the Most From Your Indoor Tandoor 

• Heat the Tandoor: Make sure to always heat the tandoor for a couple of minutes to get the uniform cooking. 
• Don’t overdo marinades: Marinating meats and vegetables adds taste and tenderness. 
• Watch Cooking Time: Tandoors are fast cookers, so don’t overcook your food. 
• Maintain Regular Cleaning: Clean the inside after each use for hygienic and functional purposes. 

Why Tandoor Cooking Is An Enjoyable Hobby At Home? 

You can now get an indoor tandoor and experience Indian grilling in your home without all the mess, hassle, and outdoor space that clay tandoors demand. Be it to grill tender kebabs, bake fluffy naan or experiment with new recipes, there’s nothing else that is more versatile and easy than an indoor tandoor. 

So, what’s stopping you? Start griddling today!