Paneer tikka is a popular and delicious Indian appetizer that’s loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It’s a flavorful dish that’s made by marinating cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a spiced yogurt mixture, followed by grilling or baking until it’s perfectly charred and smoky. Here’s a simple and mouthwatering paneer tikka recipe for you to enjoy at home.
Ingredients to make Paneer tikka :
– 250 grams of paneer, cubed
– 1/2 cup of thick yogurt
– 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
– 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon of garam masala
– 1 tablespoon of cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
– 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt to your taste
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, kasuri methi, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
3. While the paneer is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature (around 200°C or 400°F).
5. Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes onto the soaked skewers in an alternating pattern.
6. Grill or bake the skewers for about 10-15 minutes or until the paneer turns golden and slightly charred. You can baste them with a little oil or butter during grilling for extra flavor.
7. Serve the hot and smoky paneer tikka with a side of mint chutney and lemon wedges. It makes a fantastic appetizer or can be enjoyed with naan or as a side dish with your main course.
Paneer tikka is a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for parties and gatherings. Its rich and aromatic flavors, combined with the smoky char from grilling, make it an irresistible treat for your taste buds. Enjoy!