Bharwa Tandoori Aloo: A Delightful Dish for Dinner That Will Have Eaters Licking Their Fingers

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that will leave your guests coming back for more, look no further than Bharwa Tandoori Aloo. These stuffed tandoori potatoes are an absolute crowd-pleaser. A perfect blend of spiced stuffing inside soft potatoes, combined with the smoky flavor of tandoor cooking, Bharwa Tandoori Aloo is an irresistible treat that will make any dinner feel special.

What is Bharwa Tandoori Aloo?

Bharwa Tandoori Aloo is a popular Indian appetizer or side dish where boiled potatoes are hollowed out and filled with a flavorful stuffing made of spiced ingredients like paneer, masalas, or vegetables. The stuffed potatoes are then marinated in a tandoori masala and grilled or roasted, imparting a smoky aroma that elevates the flavor.

Why You Should Make Bharwa Tandoori Aloo

1. Perfectly Spiced: The filling in Bharwa Tandoori Aloo is infused with a unique blend of Indian spices that are bold but not overwhelming. From cumin and coriander to garam masala and chili powder, the stuffing is packed with flavor.
2. Smoky Tandoori Flavor: Cooking the stuffed potatoes in the tandoor or oven gives them a smoky, charred texture, making each bite a truly indulgent experience. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior create the perfect balance of textures.
3. Versatile Dish: You can customize the stuffing based on your preferences. Some prefer a vegetarian stuffing with mashed potatoes, peas, and paneer, while others enjoy a more meat-based filling. The dish works as a side, appetizer, or even a light dinner.
4. Impress Your Guests: The process of stuffing potatoes and grilling them gives the dish an impressive look that’s sure to wow your dinner guests. Plus, the flavors will have them licking their fingers, wanting more!

Ingredients for Bharwa Tandoori Aloo

• For the Potatoes:
  • 6 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Lemon juice (optional)
• For the Stuffing:
  • 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
  • ½ cup paneer (grated or crumbled)
  • 1 tablespoon green chili (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
  • ½ cup boiled peas (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
• For the Tandoori Marinade:
  • 1 cup thick yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
• Garnishing:
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Chat masala (optional)
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions to Prepare Bharwa Tandoori Aloo

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes in water until they are soft but not falling apart. Peel the skin once they cool down.
2. Hollow Out the Potatoes: Cut each potato in half, and using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center of each one, leaving a small border. Set aside the scooped-out potato flesh.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat oil and add finely chopped green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Mix the Spices: Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir the mixture well, letting the spices roast slightly.
3. Add the Filling: Add the mashed potato, boiled peas, and crumbled paneer to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and add chopped coriander leaves. Let the stuffing cool down before filling it into the potatoes.

Step 3: Stuff the Potatoes

1. Stuff the Potatoes: Carefully stuff each hollowed-out potato with the prepared mixture. Press the stuffing gently so it stays in place.
2. Shape the Potatoes: If needed, you can smooth the edges of the potatoes to make them neat and compact.

Step 4: Marinate the Stuffed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the yogurt, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Add oil and whisk until smooth.
2. Coat the Potatoes: Brush or coat the stuffed potatoes in the tandoori marinade. Make sure they are well coated on all sides.

Step 5: Grill the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven or Grill: If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If you have a tandoor, prepare it as well.
2. Bake or Grill the Potatoes: Place the stuffed and marinated potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Grill or bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to get an even char on all sides. The potatoes should be crispy on the outside with a smoky flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are grilled to perfection, remove them from the oven or grill. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of chat masala, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a tangy twist.

Tips for the Perfect Bharwa Tandoori Aloo

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized, waxy potatoes for the best results. They hold their shape well after boiling and stuffing.
• Customize the Stuffing: Feel free to add other ingredients to the stuffing, like roasted vegetables or even minced meat, to make it your own.
• Tandoori Flavor: To achieve the smoky tandoori flavor, you can place a small piece of burning charcoal inside the oven, place it in a small bowl, and cover the tray for a few minutes for that extra smoky essence.

Conclusion

Bharwa Tandoori Aloo is a delectable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of tender, stuffed potatoes with aromatic spices and the smoky tandoori char will leave your guests licking their fingers and asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, this dish will never disappoint!