Introduction
Paneer Tikka, a beloved Indian vegetarian appetizer, is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Comprising marinated cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is renowned for its smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. If you’ve been craving the taste of authentic Indian cuisine, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the art of making Paneer Tikka at home.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
For the Marinade:
250 grams of paneer (cubed)
1/2 cup thick yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
A pinch of red food color (optional)
For the Tikka:
For Basting:
2 tablespoons melted butter
Chaat masala (for sprinkling)
Marinating the Paneer
In a bowl, combine the thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, besan, oil, salt, lemon juice, and red food color (if using).
Gently add the cubed paneer to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated.. For best results, let it marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
Assembling the Paneer Tikka
Once the paneer is well-marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes onto the wooden skewers, alternating between them for a colorful and balanced mix.
Preheat your grill, oven, or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat. If you’re using the oven, set it to the broil function.
Brush the assembled skewers with some oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking the Paneer Tikka
Place the skewers on the preheated grill, oven rack, or griddle, ensuring there’s some distance between them. This allows the paneer and vegetables to cook evenly and get that signature smoky flavor.
Grill the paneer tikka for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the paneer has a golden-brown char and the vegetables are tender.
Basting and Serving
While grilling, you can baste the paneer tikka with melted butter. This adds a rich, luscious flavor to the dish. Continue grilling for another 2-3 minutes after basting.
Sprinkle chaat masala over the hot paneer tikka for that extra zing.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Tikka is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice. You can also pair it with naan, roti, or as a filling in a wrap for a delightful meal.
If you learn how to make kurkuri bhindi and fish curry recipes. Click here.
Read more-backlinkget
Conclusion
With this step-by-step guide, making Paneer Tikka at home is a breeze. The rich, aromatic flavors and the smoky essence will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of India. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a delicious snack, your homemade Paneer Tikka is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that will have you savoring every bite of this beloved Indian classic.
Regenerate
About Author
