RECIPE for Beginners - Tandoori Chicken

Prep time: 20 mins; Cook time: 20-30 mins; Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

• Chicken drumsticks (skinned) - 2 LBs
• Salt (as per taste) - 1.5 - 2 tsp
• Lime juice - 1.5 Tbsp
• Finely chopped onions - 1 cup
• Peeled and chopped garlic - 2-3 cloves
• Peeled and chopped ginger - 2"
• Canned Tomato puree 1/2 cup OR Red food coloring 1 tsp
  
• Flavor Temptations Tandoori Chicken Spice Kit (contains 5 flavor blends) - 1
• Plain whole milk yogurt - 1/3 cup
• Chopped cilantro (optional) - 6-8 stems 

STEPS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 deg F
2. Clean drumsticks and cut 2 or 3 long slits on each one
3. Mix salt, lime juice, Blend #5 (Marinade mix), and apply all over the chicken (making sure to apply within the slits) and keep aside for 15 -20 minutes
4. In a bowl, mix together onions, tomato puree (or red coloring), ginger, garlic, yogurt, Blend #2 (Turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Cumin powder), and Blend #4 (Garam Masala). Mix in Blend #3 (Cayenne) adjusting to preferred spice level: (Hot: add all of it; Medium: add half of it; Mild: do not add any)
5. Apply yogurt mixture on the drumsticks, making sure to apply well inside the slits. Cover and refrigerate for 8-16 hours
6. Bake drumsticks for 20 to 35 minutes till they are tender and no longer pink on the inside.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Serve hot over bed of long-grained or naan bread