The Design And Working Of A Tandoor
Most of you might have noticed that tandoors are cylindrical in shape but have you ever wondered why? This is because, as we all know that a tandoor has the capability of heating up to extreme temperatures which is hazardous in many ways for the users and for the environment too so in order to prevent all the chaos tandoors are designed in the shape of a cylinder so that the heat can stay inside it and not come out. Also you get a lid that you can use to cover the top of the tandoor. Another fascinating thing about a tandoor is that once you heat it up to a certain temperature you do not need to kindle it time and again as it stays at the same temperature for hours. The best thing about this appliance is that it keeps intact the natural flavors of the food being cooked, you will notice that when you cook chicken it will look and taste all crispy from the outside but the intriguing part is that the same chicken will be all juicy and full of natural flavors and ingredients from the inside.
Now that we know what is the purpose behind the design of a tandoor it’s time to provide people with knowledge about the working of tandoor.
Steps to work with a tandoor
The steps that are mentioned below require proper heed from the users, make sure to use the appliance with utmost care.
- As your very first step, remove the lid placed inside the tandoor.
- Pull out the ash tube and install the grate at the very bottom of the tandoor.
- To adjoin and pull out make sure that the lid is open.
- To kindle the tandoor start to put small pieces of charcoal or wooden pieces with some papers for the lightning process.
- At a slow pace start adding fire to the charcoal, in the starting of 30 to 40 minutes keep the flames small.
- Remember that your goal is to heat the walls of the tandoor too so it is better that you gradually start increasing the flames, don’t just do it one after another, take your time and gradually raise the flame to the neck.
- By adding more pieces of charcoal or wood anything that you are using as your fuel will accomplish your job.
- Also remember the goal is to reach the flames till the neck of tandoor is not above it, so when you rise the flames be diligent enough.
- Do not place the lid till the time the flame is visible, only do that when you are ready to start cooking and when the flames have subsided.
- At first, because of the soot the tandoor will start turning its color to black and when you are ready to cook at the time when tandoor is warmed up, it will start to turn white as the soot will start to warm up.
- Keep a regular check at the vents so that there is no kind of trouble in the airflow of the appliance.
Things to keep in mind:
There are many things that you should definitely take care of when working with any cooking appliance. But since we are talking about tandoors here so following are the things that you should keep track of;
- Most prominent thing to remember is that you should gradually increase the flames of tandoor, don’t just do it all of a sudden, that can’t do anything good.
- You might notice that there are some cracks on the walls of the tandoor, but don’t panic, this is totally normal but in case you still have doubts this is where you can make good use out of the lump of clay that has been provided to you for repairs.
- To be on the safer inside, it is also recommended for you to increase the flame at a slow pace, if you do that you will notice fewer hairlines on the walls of tandoor.
- This step has been mentioned above and is still vital to be mentioned here. Do not place the lid when the flames are visible to you, place it only when you feel the flames have been dissipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can we put our bare hands inside a tandoor?
No, you should never put your bare hands inside a tandoor even when it has warmed up, always use the accessories that are provided to you. Use accessories to put inside the tandoor.
- What is tandoor oil?
A tandoor oil is olive oil that is infused with masalas like garam masala, cumin, ginger, garlic, and peppers.
- What is tandoori naan?
A naan that is cooked in a tandoor is known to be tandoori naan.
- What is naan gaddi/cushion?
A naan cushion is a tandoor accessory that is used to slap naans inside the tandoor.
- What are the health benefits of ginger?
- Fights germs
- An anti inflammatory property
- Lowers blood sugar
- Eases period cramps
- Soothes sore muscles.