Teresa's Recipes
Tandoori Calamari
Dive into the vibrant world of Tandoori Calamari—a dish that marries the tender, succulent texture of calamari with the bold, aromatic spices of traditional Indian tandoori cooking. The calamari rings are enveloped in a creamy, spiced marinade of Greek yogurt and an array of spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, charred flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. Accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro, each bite delivers a burst of freshness that beautifully complements the spices. This dish not only highlights the culinary art of Indian cooking but also reflects the rich history of tandoori techniques that date back to ancient India, where clay ovens were used to infuse foods with unique flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, Tandoori Calamari is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cleaned and cut into rings Calamari
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
- 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon (for grilling) Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro
- for serving Lemon wedges
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, tandoori masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Stir well to create a smooth and creamy marinade.
- Add the cleaned calamari rings to the marinade, tossing gently to ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the calamari marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated calamari rings onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Once the grill is hot, place the calamari skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the calamari is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve the Tandoori Calamari hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- You can also serve the calamari with a side of mint yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.