Paneer Tikka Recipe

Introduction:

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that features marinated and grilled cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with colorful vegetables. This dish bursts with flavors and is loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to create a delicious and restaurant-style Paneer Tikka in the comfort of your own kitchen.



Ingredients:

For Marination:
  • 250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup onions (cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup yogurt (hung or Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Garnish:
  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Onion rings

Instructions:

  1. Preparing the Marinade:
    • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, salt, and vegetable oil.
    • Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth and thick marinade.
    Marinating the Paneer and Vegetables:
    • Add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions to the marinade.
    • Gently coat the paneer and vegetables with the marinade, ensuring they are well-covered.
    • Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
    Grilling the Paneer Tikka:
    • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
    • If using skewers, thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions onto the skewers in any desired pattern.
    • Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
    Serving:
    • Once cooked, remove the Paneer Tikka skewers from the grill or oven.
    • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
    • Serve hot with lemon wedges and onion rings on the side.
    • Paneer Tikka can be enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with naan, roti, or rice as a main course.

Tips:

  • Soaking wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before using them helps prevent burning.
  • You can customize the vegetable selection according to your preference. Add cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
  • For a smoky flavor, you can cook the paneer tikka on a charcoal grill or use liquid smoke while marinating.

Conclusion:

Paneer Tikka is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of paneer with the vibrant flavors of Indian spices. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the restaurant-style Paneer Tikka at home and impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful appetizer, Paneer Tikka is sure to be a hit!