Paneer tikka:
Paneer tikka is a beloved Indian dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures. Made with succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a spicy yogurt mixture and then grilled to perfection, it’s a favorite appetizer or snack for many. Here’s an easy and detailed recipe for you to recreate this delectable dish at home.
Ingredients:
1. 400 grams of paneer, cut into cubes
2. 1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
3. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. 1 teaspoon banpati red chili powder
6. 1 teaspoon banpati garam masala
7. 1 teaspoon banpati coriander powder
8. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
9. 1/2 teaspoon banpati turmeric powder
10. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11. Salt to taste
12. 1 large bell pepper (capsicum), cut into chunks
13. 1 large onion, cut into chunks
14. 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan) – optional
15. Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers)
For Garnish:
1. Fresh lemon wedges
2. Chopped coriander leaves
3. Chaat masala (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, vegetable oil, and salt.
- Now whisk the ingredients together until well combined, forming a smooth marinade.
- If you prefer a thicker marinade, add a tablespoon of gram flour (besan) to the mixture and mix well. This will help the marinade cling better to the paneer and vegetables.
2. Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables:
- Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper chunks, and onion chunks to the marinade.
- Gently toss the paneer and vegetables in the marinade until they are evenly coated.
- Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Marinating overnight yields the best results, but if you’re short on time, marinating for at least 1 hour will suffice.
3. Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- If you’re using a caff , preheat it to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the Paneer Tikka Skewers:
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes, bell pepper chunks, and onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating between them for a colorful presentation.
- Then leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
5. Grill or Bake the Paneer Tikka:
- If grilling, place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked through.
- If baking, place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the paneer and vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
6. Serve Hot:
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill or oven and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, chopped coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of chaat masala, if desired.
- Serve the paneer tikka hot alongside mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple yogurt dip.
Tips:
- For extra smoky flavor, you can grill the paneer tikka on a charcoal grill.
- You can customize the marinade according to your taste preferences by adjusting the spices and adding other flavorings like kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) or chaat masala.
- If you don’t have access to a grill or oven, you can also cook the paneer tikka on a stovetop grill pan or in a skillet.
- Serve paneer tikka as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course with naan, roti, or rice.
With this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to recreate restaurant-quality paneer tikka right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the tantalizing aroma of this classic Indian dish!