Step 1 / 8
mix
room temperature
yogurt + olive oil + lemon juice + minced garlic + cumin + coriander + paprika + allspice + cinnamon + turmeric + cardamom + cloves + black pepper + salt — read this as a structure, not a list: acid to loosen the surface proteins, fat to carry the fat-soluble spice color, dairy to buffer the acid so it tenderizes without turning the meat chalky, garlic and warm spice for flavor. Any of the sweet spices can move within reason; drop the yogurt and the spices slide off in the pan instead of baking onto the meat