Paneer Tikka is a popular North Indian appetizer made with marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) chunks that are grilled or baked to perfection. This dish is often served with mint chutney and is loved for its smoky flavor and tender texture. Here’s a detailed guide to making authentic Paneer Tikka at home.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil
For the Paneer:
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large tomato, cut into chunks
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Chaat masala
For Serving:
- Mint chutney
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the mustard oil or vegetable oil and mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- Add the paneer cubes, onion chunks, bell pepper chunks, and tomato chunks to the marinade.
- Gently toss to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 3: Grill the Paneer Tikka
- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between paneer, onion, bell pepper, and tomato.
- Place the skewers on a grill rack or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the paneer tikka from the skewers and place on a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka
- Marination Time: Marinate the paneer and vegetables for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
- Grilling: If you don’t have a grill, you can use an oven or stovetop grill pan to cook the paneer tikka.
- Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Vegetables: Use a variety of colorful bell peppers and onions for an attractive presentation.
Paneer Tikka is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian grilling to your table. Whether you’re making it for an appetizer or a party snack, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Enjoy your culinary journey with this traditional Paneer Tikka!