What is tandoor?

In Asian countries, an unusual cone-shaped oven-roaster is used for cooking - the tandoor. This is a unique structure that prepares food by simmering, keeping all the most useful things inside.

Tandoor - what is it and what is it for?

Central and Central Asia is considered the birthplace of the stove. Residents have been using this device for cooking for many centuries. At the same time, the dishes are not only tasty, but also healthy. This happens thanks to the design of the fryer.

In these desert areas there is a constant shortage of fuel. It was necessary to come up with a device that would help prepare food for all residents, taking into account such a shortage.

A little history

For the first time, stone dust was used - loess - which accumulated heat as much as possible and had heat-resistant and fire-resistant properties. It heats up very quickly and gives off heat for a long time, ensuring the food simmers.

The first tandoors were made in the ground. They dug a small hole, installed an air duct on the side and put food in it. But the soil did not ensure the maximum efficiency of the loess - then a device was invented in the form of a jug, in the central part of which intense heat was provided.

Uzbek tandoor models were made from equally durable koalin clay.Wool and sand were mixed into it, formed into cone-shaped ovens and exposed to the sun, where it stood for two weeks. This ensured the oven's extraordinary strength.

Description

The tandoor today is a beautiful figured fireclay-type structure with an original finish on the outside. This is not only a stove for preparing delicious and healthy dishes, but also a decoration for the yard.

The operating principle is simple:

• using coals or a fire, a high temperature is created inside the tandoor, heating the stone walls of the oven;
• After that, they give off heat for a long time, literally cooking food in their own juice.

What is it used for?

In its original form, it was used not only for cooking among Asian peoples. The stove was also actively used for medicinal purposes, as well as for heating home premises. Today its purpose is to prepare various dishes.

Usually cooked in tandoor:

• bread and flatbreads;
• samsa;
• shashlik;
• vegetables;
• seafood;
• sausage.

Culinary masterpieces will delight all home and guests with their unusual taste and juiciness.

Kinds

Over time, the shape and content of the device changed, and devices with fundamentally new equipment appeared. There are several types of tandoors.

By loading products

There are two types - horizontal and vertical. The first ones are distinguished by their hemispherical shape, are installed on a pedestal one meter high and are quite difficult to maintain. In addition, not all dishes are cooked in such an oven. Vertical is universal, differs in size.

By location

It can be stationary or portable. The real estate ones have significant dimensions and are installed on the street or kitchen-veranda.The second option is easy to move from place to place and cook in the house or outside, depending on the circumstances and the number of guests.

By fuel type

1. Wood-burning. Used in a similar way to a barbecue. In the cold season, you first need to slightly warm up the walls of the oven using wood chips. Then firewood is added, filling two-thirds of the total area of ​​the brazier. Fruit and coniferous trees should not be used as firewood.
2. Electric. Portable and stationary models, the outer part of which is coated with metal. The basis of the work is considered to be an electric heating element, which heats the walls of the device. In domestic conditions, a device of 220 volts is used, and in industrial conditions - of 380 volts.
3. Gas. Great for home. A unique feature is the ability to adjust the heating temperature according to the type of oven. Requires connection to the main network or cylinder.

Advantages

The oven does a great job of preparing healthy food. This is a great way to diversify your diet and make it rich in vitamins and minerals:

• does not require control over the preparation of products - you simply put them inside and take them out when they are ready;
• use is possible in any weather, the main thing is to prepare the covering material;
• fuel economy is approximately 2–3 times;
• the process takes much less time;
• prepares any dishes;
• due to the absence of oil and fat, the food turns out healthy and tasty;
• juiciness of dishes;
• food does not burn.

The materials are durable and do not require serious maintenance. The oven will work for many years and delight you with healthy dishes.