What is this unusual oven, why is it needed? The structure of the tandoor and its other features
Tandoor is a traditional oven of the peoples of Central and Middle Asia. It works on the principle of a brazier.: the walls of the device heat up and then give off heat for a long time.
Such a device used for cooking.
Moreover, food is cooked faster than, for example, on a grill, and less fuel is required.
Popular in Russia flatbreads and samsa from the tandoor. But other dishes are also prepared in this oven: from meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.
Content
Devices of the main types of tandoors, how they work
The first such devices were earth-based.A round hole was dug in a special soil consisting of stone chips (loess).
An air duct was installed on the side. Then the pit was coated with clay from the inside. Externally, the device began to resemble a jug. This shape retains heat better, since the upper opening in the stove is narrower.
Later, they began to create ground clay structures located on the foundation. They have the shape of a hemisphere or an egg with a cut-off base. Later, bricks or stones also began to be used in construction.
Reference. The traditional technology of manufacturing the device involves use of sheep wool. It is finely chopped and added to the clay-sand mixture. This makes the material more viscous and plastic.
Recently, there have been some portable models, most often ceramic. They are smaller than stationary ones. For ease of carrying, handles are attached to them (usually cast iron).
Dimensions and operating principle of ground tandoors made of clay or brick
A foundation is required to build a ground-based device. On it is located dome chamber, the inner surface of which is smooth. At the bottom there is a hole for air flow. A cast iron grate is placed at the bottom of the chamber.
The upper part is often made recessesThey contain a rod on which skewers with shashlik are subsequently hung.
The entire structure is covered with a lid from above. It is made made of fireproof materials, for example, made of metal.
Typically, such braziers reach one meter in heightThere are models of greater or lesser height. But it is inconvenient to cook in very high structures.
The weight depends on the size of the device and in some cases reaches 1 ton. Portable structures weigh about 30-140 kg.
The operating principle of all furnaces is the same. Thick walls accumulate heat, while the fire is burning, and then it is given off for a long time. The food is cooked by this heat. The coals can be removed or left.
Attention! The inner surface of the structure gets very hot. To avoid getting burned, be sure to use heat-resistant gloves and special tools.
Traditional semicircular structure: how to build it yourself, drawing
Traditionally, the walls of such a device are made of clay. Giving the tandoor the desired shape is not easy. Material laid in separate strips, and then smooth out the inner surface. Sometimes a barrel is used. It is pre-soaked and impregnated with oil, and then coated with clay. After drying, the clay chamber is easily separated from the barrel.
To increase heat capacity, the walls are often lined brick or stone. The space between the materials is filled with sand.
Photo 1. Drawing of a traditional tandoor. Arrows indicate the parts of the stove, the dimensions of the structure are indicated.
Sometimes the device is made differently: The brick foundation is laid out, and then the walls. After this, the foundation is coated with clay inside and outside. The seams are carefully filled.
Important! It is advisable to use during construction fireclay brick. It can withstand high temperatures well.
Brick is laid out differently: on the wide side or on one of the narrow sides. The thickness of the structure's walls depends on this.
The brick being laid vertically, sometimes pre-cut. It is given a shape close to wedge-shaped.
How is a square brick tandoor constructed? Its diagram
The device is made of brick and covered with clay. Manufacturing technology of a square structure the same as a traditional oven. A firebox opening is not required in such devices.
The appliance heats up worse in the corners. Therefore, it is better to place the flatbreads closer to the middle of the wall. Meat and fish dishes are prepared in the same way as in a regular round tandoor.
Features of a horizontal oven
As a rule, such stoves are located on a raised platform. about a meter high.
This makes them more convenient to use. The opening for loading firewood and food in such models is located not from above, but from the sideWith their round vault they resemble a Russian stove.
Photos of finished structures
Photo 2. Tandoor made in the ground. A hole is dug for cooking, the walls of which are lined with bricks.
Photo 3. Lighting a portable tandoor. The oven is compact and can be placed anywhere on the property.
Photo 4. Brick stationary tandoor, made by hand. A chimney is installed on the side.
Useful video
Watch the video, which tells you how to make a brick tandoor with your own hands.
Recommendations for selection
This type of stove came to us from Central Asian countries. It is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes: flatbreads, shashlik, shurpa. Plov is also cooked in a tandoor. For this, the cauldron is installed on top, in place of the lid.
To choose the right appliance, think about what you will cook in it. Semicircular The design is suitable for all types of dishes. Square A tandoor is built if it will mainly be used to cook meat.
IN horizontal The design is most convenient for baking flatbreads. But you can't put a cauldron there. But such a stove heats better. Therefore, it is placed not only outside, but also indoors.
Size also matters: it determines how many portions will be prepared at the same time. But the larger the device, the more space it takes up.
