Paneer Tikka Recipe

 

Overview:

Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian delight made by marinating chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in spiced yogurt and grilling them to perfection. It's a popular choice in Indian street food and often served as a starter in Indian festival food feasts.

Origin:

Paneer Tikka hails from North India, particularly popular in Punjab. It mimics the flavors of Tandoori Chicken but offers a vegetarian alternative that’s equally flavorful and satisfying. The dish highlights the versatility of paneer and the depth of Indian spices.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

Ingredients:

• For the Marinade:

  • 250g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color)
  • Salt to taste

• For Garnish:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves
  • Sliced onions

How to Make Paneer Tikka:

1. Marinate the Paneer:

   • In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, paprika, and salt.
   • Add the paneer cubes and gently toss them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Grill the Paneer:

   • Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated paneer onto skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and bell pepper.
   • Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning once, until the paneer is golden and slightly charred. You can also cook it in a hot skillet.

3. Garnish and Serve:

   • Serve hot with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Paneer Tikka is delicious on its own or with a side of mint chutney.

For more rich flavors of Indian spices see Indian cuisine