Paneer Tikka: A Mouthwatering Vegetarian Delight

Introduction:

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian dish that features succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to perfection. It is a versatile and delicious appetizer that can also be enjoyed as a main course or even as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. Paneer Tikka is loved for its smoky and tangy flavors, making it a hit among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup bell peppers (capsicum), cut into cubes
• 1 cup onions, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons hung curd (Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onions to the marinade. Gently toss to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

3. Preheat the grill or preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

4. If using a grill: Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients. Brush them with some oil.

   If using an oven: Arrange the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle some oil over them.

5. Place the skewers or the baking tray in the preheated grill or oven.

6. Grill or bake the paneer tikka for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers or flipping the paneer cubes halfway through the cooking process, until they are golden brown and slightly charred.

7. Remove the paneer tikka from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

8. Serve the paneer tikka hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chaat masala and fresh coriander leaves. You can also squeeze some lemon juice for an extra tangy kick.

9. Paneer tikka can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or served with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup as a dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Use firm paneer to ensure it holds its shape during grilling.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.

Conclusion:

Paneer Tikka is a delightful and flavorsome dish that showcases the versatility of paneer in Indian cuisine. With this recipe, you can easily recreate the magic of paneer tikka in your own kitchen. The combination of marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions, cooked to perfection, results in a dish that is packed with smoky and tangy flavors. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a larger meal, or stuffed in a wrap, Paneer Tikka is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather the ingredients, marinate the paneer and vegetables, fire up the grill or preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of Paneer Tikka.