Step By Step Recipe For Mouthwatering Paneer Tikka You Must Try

Paneer Tikka is prepared by marinating paneer and vegetables in a spicy yogurt-based mixture. The marinated pieces are then skewered and grilled to perfection. This versatile dish can be cooked on a grill, in an oven, or even on the stove. It is served hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges, making it a flavorful and nutritious appetizer.

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made from marinated paneer cubes and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The paneer is marinated in a flavorful mixture of yogurt, spices, and gram flour, then skewered and grilled until lightly charred. It can be cooked on a grill, in an oven, or on a stovetop. The marinade infuses rich flavors, and the grilling process gives it a smoky, delicious taste. Garnished with chaat masala and served with mint chutney, it is a flavorful and healthy dish. Perfect for any occasion, it can be served hot as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer (cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon besan (gram flour)
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil (for marinade)
• 1 bell pepper (cut into square pieces)
• 1 onion (cut into square pieces)
• 1 tomato (cut into square pieces)
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
• Butter or oil (for grilling)

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add the ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, besan, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, chaat masala, ajwain, and salt.
• Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the mixture and whisk everything together until you get a thick, smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables

• Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper, onion, and tomato pieces into the marinade. Gently mix everything, ensuring that the paneer and veggies are well-coated with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. For best results, marinate for 2 3 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

• After the marination time, take the paneer and veggies out of the refrigerator.
• Thread the marinated paneer cubes, bell peppers, onion, and tomato alternately onto the skewers.

Step 4: Cook on a Grill or Oven

• Grill Option: Preheat a grill or tandoor to medium-high heat. Brush the paneer and vegetable skewers lightly with butter or oil. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the paneer gets a nice char and the vegetables are cooked.
• Oven Option: Preheat your oven to 200 C (392 F). Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the skewers with butter or oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking and to achieve a golden-brown color.

Step 5: Optional Stove-Top Method

• If you don't have an oven or grill, you can cook the paneer tikka on a non-stick pan or griddle. Heat the pan, add a little oil or butter, and cook the paneer and veggies on medium heat until they are lightly charred and cooked evenly.

Step 6: Serve

• Once the paneer tikka is done, remove it from the skewers and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala on top for extra flavor.
• Serve hot with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings.

Enjoy your homemade Paneer Tikka