Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that consists of marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes that are skewered and grilled or baked until they are slightly charred and smoky. It’s a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and is enjoyed by many for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

About Paneer Tikka:

Ingredients

1. Paneer: Cubes of fresh paneer, which is a non-melting cheese made by curdling milk with a fruit- or vegetable-derived acid.
2. Yogurt: Used as a base for the marinade, it helps to tenderize the paneer and impart flavor.
3. Spices: Common spices include turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, and sometimes chaat masala for a tangy kick.
4. Ginger-Garlic Paste: Adds a depth of flavor and a bit of heat.
5. Lemon Juice: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the paneer.
6. Vegetables: Often, bell peppers and onions are also marinated and grilled along with the paneer.

Preparation

1. Marination: The paneer cubes are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. This marination process is crucial for infusing the paneer with flavors.
2. Skewering: After marinating for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours), the paneer cubes are threaded onto skewers, often alternating with chunks of bell pepper and onion.
3. Grilling/Baking: The skewered paneer is then grilled on a barbecue or baked in an oven until it is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior. Some people also use a tandoor (a traditional clay oven) for this purpose, which adds an authentic smoky flavor.

Serving

Paneer Tikka is typically served hot, garnished with lemon wedges, fresh coriander leaves, and sometimes chaat masala. It’s often accompanied by a green chutney made from cilantro and mint, and sliced onions.

Variations

• Malai Paneer Tikka: A creamier version made with cream or malai (clotted cream) in the marinade.
• Achari Paneer Tikka: Marinated with pickling spices for a tangy and spicy twist.
• Hariyali Paneer Tikka: Uses a green marinade made from cilantro, mint, and spinach for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Paneer Tikka is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a filling in wraps and sandwiches. It’s beloved for its rich, spicy, and smoky flavors, and its ability to absorb and highlight a wide range of spices and seasonings.

How to make Paneer Tikka:

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Paneer Tikka:

Ingredients

For Marination

• 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 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 powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil or any vegetable oil

For Skewers

• 1 medium-sized onion, cut into square pieces
• 1 medium-sized bell pepper (capsicum), cut into square pieces
• 1 medium-sized tomato, cut into square pieces
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, add thick yogurt. Ensure the yogurt is thick to prevent a watery marinade.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add gram flour to the mixture. This helps in binding the spices to the paneer.
4. Pour in the mustard oil and mix all ingredients well to form a smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinating the Paneer and Vegetables

1. Add the paneer cubes, onion pieces, bell pepper pieces, and tomato pieces to the marinade.
2. Mix gently to coat the paneer and vegetables with the marinade evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Assembling the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
2. Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.

Step 4: Cooking the Paneer Tikka

Option 1: Using an Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil or a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even grilling.

Option 2: Using a Grill Pan

1. Heat the grill pan on medium heat and brush it with some oil.
2. Place the skewers on the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the paneer and vegetables are slightly charred and cooked through.

Option 3: Using a Barbecue Grill

1. Preheat the grill and lightly grease the grates.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are evenly grilled.

Step 5: Serving

1. Once cooked, remove the paneer tikka from the skewers.
2. Sprinkle some chaat masala and lemon juice over the tikka.
3. Serve hot with green chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Paneer Tikka!