Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer or snack made from paneer, which is a type of Indian cottage cheese. It is a dish where chunks of paneer are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, and then skewered and grilled or baked until they are charred and slightly crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and succulent on the inside.
The marinade for paneer tikka typically includes ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, various spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder, along with garlic, ginger, and sometimes mustard oil for flavor. The marinated paneer cubes are often interspersed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes on the skewers to add variety and enhance the flavor.
Paneer Tikka
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesPaneer tikka can be cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), on a grill, or even in an oven. It is served hot and is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with mint chutney or a tangy sauce. Paneer tikka is loved for its smoky and spiced flavors, making it a delightful dish that’s enjoyed both as an appetizer and as a part of the main course in some Indian cuisines.
Ingredients
- For the marinade:
250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
1/4 cup thick yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
- For assembling:
Bell peppers (capsicum), cut into cubes or squares
Onions, cut into cubes or squares
Tomatoes, cut into cubes (optional)
Skewers (wooden or metal)
- For grilling/baking:
Cooking oil or melted butter
- For garnish:
Chopped fresh coriander leaves
Lemon wedges
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently coat them with the mixture. Cover the bowl and let the paneer marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. Marinating longer will enhance the flavors.
- While the paneer is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Once the paneer has marinated, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes if using.
- Brush the grill grates or baking tray with a little oil to prevent sticking. You can also place aluminum foil on the baking tray for easy cleanup.
- Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven. If using a grill, cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is charred and cooked through. If using an oven, bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Once the paneer tikka is cooked and has a nice char on the outside, remove from the heat.
- Brush the cooked paneer tikka with a little melted butter or oil for added flavor and shine.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney.