Tandoori Corn 

Tandoori Corn is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together the smoky flavors of tandoor cooking with the natural sweetness of fresh corn. This popular Indian street food and barbecue favorite is a perfect blend of spices, marinade, and grilling techniques. Whether you are a vegetarian, a corn lover, or simply looking to add some excitement to your outdoor gatherings, Tandoori Corn is a must-try recipe.

Making delicious tandoori corn is easy ,where fresh corn on the cob is marinated in a spicy and tangy mixture, typically made with yogurt, spices, and herbs. The marinated corn is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, tender, and irresistible treat that is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering.

Inspired by traditional tandoori cooking, which involves cooking food in a clay oven known as a tandoor, this dish puts a unique twist on the classic street food favorite - corn. While the exact origin of Tandoori Corn is uncertain, it has become immensely popular in recent years, both in India and around the world, thanks to its explosive flavors and simple preparation.

To make the traditional Tandoori Marinade, in a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder, garam masala masala, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, black salt and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and form a smooth paste.The marinade is now ready to be used to coat the corn.

When it comes to choosing corn for grilling, opt for fresh ears of corn with vibrant green husks. Peel back the husks gently, but keep them intact to create a natural handle for the corn while grilling. Remove the silk threads from the corn, re-cover the corn with the husks, and soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

Once the corn is prepped, generously coat each ear of corn with the prepared Tandoori Marinade. Ensure that the marinade is evenly spread, covering all sides of the corn. For maximum flavor, allow the corn to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer if time permits.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated corn on the grill, and grill for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and lightly charred. Keep an eye on the corn to prevent burning.

Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from the grill, allow it to cool slightly, and serve hot with a sprinkle of chat masala, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a garnish of fresh coriander leaves or mint. Enjoy the smoky and delectable Tandoori Corn as a delightful appetizer or side dish that will surely impress your taste buds!

Tandoori corn is delicious on its own, but it's always fun to serve it with some accompaniments and dips to take it to the next level. A classic pairing is to serve the corn with a side of mint chutney or tangy tamarind chutney. The freshness of the mint chutney complements the smoky flavor of the corn, while the tanginess of tamarind adds a delightful contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try serving it with a spicy salsa or a zesty yogurt dip for a different twist.

Garnishing adds that final touch of visual appeal to your tandoori corn. After grilling, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves on top for a burst of freshness. For a hint of tanginess, squeeze some lemon juice over the corn before serving. If you like it spicy, a sprinkle of red chili powder or chaat masala will give your corn a fiery kick. Don't be afraid to get creative with your garnishes and experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

✍️Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tandoori Corn

 👉Grilling Tips

To achieve that perfect charred and smoky flavor, it's essential to grill the corn over high heat. Preheat your grill or grill pan before adding the corn. This ensures that the corn cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. Remember to turn the corn occasionally to ensure all sides get evenly cooked. If you don't have a grill, you can also use a stovetop grill pan or even an oven broiler for similar results.

👉Marinating Tips

For maximum flavor, let the corn marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour(I have marinated just for 15 minutes) . This allows the spices to penetrate the corn and infuse it with their deliciousness. If possible, marinate the corn in a ziplock bag, as this ensures the marinade coats the corn evenly. When brushing the marinade onto the corn, be generous and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This way, every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Tandoori corn is a fantastic dish that combines the smoky flavors of the grill with the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine. Whether you prefer it classic or with a creamy twist, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. Serve it with your favorite accompaniments, garnish it to your heart's desire, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of tandoori corn. So fire up that grill, get marinating, and savor this delightful treat. Happy grilling!

Ingredients 

Corn -2 nos 

Salt-1-2 Tsps

Butter-1-2 Tsps or as required 

Coriander leaves -few chopped fine 

Chaat masala -as required 

For Tandoori Masala -

Thick curd -2 Tbsps

Ginger garlic paste-1/2 Tsp 

Red chilli powder -1/2 Tsp or according to taste 

Kashmiri chilli powder -1/2 Tsp 

Roasted cumin powder -1/2 Tsp 

Black salt -1/4 Tsp

Garam masala powder -1/8-1/4 Tsp 

Kasuri methi -1 Tsp 

Lemon juice-1/2-1 Tsp 

Salt -1/2 Tsp or according to taste 

Oil -1-2 Tsps (Use Mustard oil for more flavour)

Recipe Video 

Method 

👉In a pressure cooker boil required water along with salt now add the corn cobs .Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles, set the corn aside to cool a bit .

👉Meanwhile prepare the tandoori masala marinade using the ingredients given under For Tandoori masala.

👉Now while still warm coat the corn with butter and smear the tandoori masala generously on all sides set aside 15 minutes or more.

👉Pre heat stove top grill and place the marinated corn cobs gently and grill until evenly charred on all sides make sure to turn the corn cobs occasionally.

👉Remove from grill and sprinkle chaat masala, red chilli powder, coriander leaves,lemon juice and butter.

Serve hot.Enjoy flavour damaka in you mouth.🤤

Preparation Time -30 minutes 

Serves-2

Note-

✍️The level of spiciness in Tandoori Corn can be adjusted according to your preference. The traditional tandoori marinade includes spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and red chili powder, which add a mild to medium heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to the marinade.

✍️While Tandoori Corn is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can certainly prepare the marinade in advance and marinate the corn for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more. However, it is recommended to grill the corn just before serving to retain its smoky and juicy characteristics.