Tandoori Paste

Transform your cooking with this vibrant, flavor-packed Tandoori Paste recipe that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen. Crafted with creamy plain yogurt, aromatic ginger and garlic pastes, and a harmonic blend of warming spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika, this homemade marinade is perfect for enhancing meats, vegetables, or tofu. The addition of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and a splash of lemon juice elevates the flavors, while a pinch of optional red food coloring lends a signature, restaurant-style hue. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy-to-make paste can be tailored to your spice preference and stored for up to five days, making it a versatile, time-saving addition to your meal prep repertoire. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or baking, this Tandoori Paste is your ticket to creating unforgettable dishes full of bold, smoky flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 120 grams plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pinch red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until smooth and creamy.

Step 2

Add ginger paste and garlic paste to the yogurt, and mix until combined.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, paprika, garam masala, and salt.

Step 4

Crush the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms to release their aroma, and add them to the mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the lemon juice and vegetable oil, and mix well to create a smooth paste.

Step 6

For a classic vibrant red color, add a pinch of red food coloring (optional) and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 7

Taste the paste and adjust salt, spice, or tanginess by adding more chili powder, lemon juice, or salt based on preference.

Step 8

Use immediately as a marinade for proteins, vegetables, or tofu. To store, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	217.8 grams (217.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	449

Total Fat 31.00g	40%
Saturated Fat 5.40g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 7mg	2%
Sodium 3380mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 37.00g	13%
Dietary Fiber 6.80g	24%
Total Sugars 9.60g
Protein 12.20g	24%

Vitamin D 58IU	288%
Calcium 370mg	28%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 907mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.6%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 31.1%