Paneer Tikka is a beloved Indian appetizer where cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, skewered with colorful veggies like onions and bell peppers, and grilled to perfection. This dish bursts with aromatic flavors and a smoky essence, offering a delightful blend of tangy, spicy, and savory tastes. Served hot off the grill, Paneer Tikka is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or as a delicious starter to any meal.
Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
For Paneer Marinade:
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt works well)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons oil
For the Tikka:
- Onion chunks
- Bell pepper (capsicum) chunks
- Tomato chunks
- Skewers (pre-soaked if using wooden skewers)
- Butter for grilling
Instructions:
Paneer Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, gram flour, and oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add paneer cubes to the marinade. Coat the paneer evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.
Assembling and Grilling:
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with chunks of onion, tomato and bell pepper.
- Brush the grill grates or baking tray lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill or baking tray and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and veggies are charred and cooked evenly.
Serving:
- Once done, remove the skewers from the grill or oven.
- Serve Paneer Tikka hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and accompanied by mint chutney or a squeeze of lemon.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels and marinade ingredients according to your taste preferences. Paneer Tikka makes for a fantastic appetizer or can be served as a side dish with naan or rice. Enjoy the smoky, flavorful goodness of this classic Indian dish!
