Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian vegetarian appetizer that has gained global fame for its rich flavors and succulent texture. This dish features chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a delicious snack, Paneer Tikka is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and the steps to create this mouth-watering dish at home.

Ingredients

To make Paneer Tikka, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 250 grams of paneer (cubed)
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste

For the Skewers:

• 1 medium bell pepper (cut into chunks)
• 1 medium onion (cut into chunks)
• 1 medium tomato (cut into chunks)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, gram flour, oil, and salt. Mix well until all the spices are thoroughly combined with the yogurt.

Step 2: Marinating the Paneer

1. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated with the mixture.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Assembling the Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper, onion, and tomato.
3. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 4: Grilling the Paneer Tikka

1. Place the skewers on the preheated grill or in the oven.
2. Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking. The paneer should be golden brown with slight charring on the edges.
3. If using an oven, you can switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a nice char.

Step 5: Serving the Paneer Tikka

1. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven.
2. Carefully slide the paneer and vegetables off the skewers onto a serving platter.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Serve hot with green chutney and sliced onions.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka

1. Quality Paneer: Use fresh, firm paneer for best results. If using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften it before marinating.
2. Marination Time: Allow ample time for marination. The longer the paneer marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
3. Skewers: If you don’t have skewers, you can arrange the marinated paneer and vegetables on a baking tray and grill them directly.
4. Even Cooking: Make sure to turn the skewers or pieces halfway through grilling to ensure even cooking and charring.
5. Serving Ideas: Paneer Tikka pairs well with naan or roti and can also be served as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Variations of Paneer Tikka

1. Malai Paneer Tikka: For a creamier version, add fresh cream or malai to the marinade.
2. Achari Paneer Tikka: Incorporate pickle spices (achari masala) into the marinade for a tangy twist.
3. Mint Paneer Tikka: Blend fresh mint leaves into the marinade for a refreshing flavor.

Paneer Tikka is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Its rich flavors and enticing aroma make it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. By following this recipe and tips, you can create restaurant-quality Paneer Tikka at home and delight your family and friends with this Indian culinary gem. Happy cooking