
Tandoori Pineapple
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this Tandoori Pineapple recipe, where the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple meets the robust, smoky flavors of traditional Indian tandoori spices. Each succulent bite is infused with a blend of vibrant spices, creating a sweet and spicy dance on your palate. Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars of the pineapple, enhancing its flavor and adding a beautiful char. This dish is not just an appetizer; it’s a showstopper that will elevate any summer barbecue or Indian-themed dinner party. The origins of tandoori cooking date back centuries, traditionally utilizing a clay oven called a tandoor, which gives a unique depth of flavor. This grill-friendly adaptation allows you to enjoy the essence of tandoori cuisine right in your backyard!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Fresh pineapple (1 large, peeled, cored, and cut into thick slices or wedges)
- Plain yogurt (1 cup)
- Tandoori masala (2 tablespoons)
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons (for brushing the grill))
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic paste (1 tablespoon)
- Ginger paste (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Red chili powder (1 teaspoon)
- Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
- Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)
- Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, vibrant tandoori marinade.
- Prepare the pineapple by cutting it into thick slices or wedges, ensuring even thickness for consistent grilling.
- Generously coat each pineapple slice with the tandoori marinade, making sure every piece is well covered. For enhanced flavor, allow the pineapple to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor profile.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Once heated, place the marinated pineapple slices on the grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the pineapple caramelizes slightly.
- Remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot as a tantalizing appetizer or as a vibrant side dish alongside your favorite Indian meal.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Marinating Time: 1 hour • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 150 • Fat: 3g • Carbs: 32g • Protein: 4g • Sodium: 300mg • Sugar: 25g