Paneer Tikka Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

 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!