Easy Homemade Paneer Tikka Recipe | Step-by-Step Guide

Description

Delight in the Tempting Taste of Paneer Tikka with Mint Chutney: Paneer Tikka, a beloved Indian starter, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts across the globe. This dish features perfectly marinated and grilled cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) that burst with flavor. Easy Homemade Paneer Tikka Recipe

Ingredient

1. For Paneer Tikka:

• 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Skewers, for grilling

2. For Mint Chutney:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 green chili
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• Salt, to taste

Instruction

1. Prepare the marinade:

1. Gather the ingredients: You’ll need yogurt, chickpea flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Combine: In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients together.
3. Mix thoroughly: Stir until you get a smooth, lump-free marinade. The consistency should be creamy and well-blended, ensuring even coating for the paneer.

2. Marinate the paneer and vegetables:

1. Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces to the marinade.
2. Gently toss to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Skewer and Grill:

1. Preheat: Warm up your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to give the paneer and veggies a nice char.
2. Skewer: Take the marinated paneer cubes, bell pepper chunks, and onion pieces, and thread them onto skewers in an alternating pattern. This creates a vibrant and balanced skewer.
3. Brush with oil: Lightly coat the skewers with oil to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavor while grilling.
4. Grill: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side or until the paneer and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked to perfection.

4. Make the mint chutney and serve hot:

1. Prepare the mint chutney: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, a squeeze of lemon juice, yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
2. Transfer the skewers: Carefully remove the Paneer Tikka skewers from the grill and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter.
3. Serve and enjoy: Pair the skewers with your freshly made mint chutney on the side. Serve them hot for the best taste and experience!
4. Serve hot with freshly made mint chutney on the side.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade.
• Blender or food processor: To make the smooth mint chutney
• Skewers: Metal or wooden skewers for assembling the paneer and vegetables. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water beforehand.
• Grill or skillet: For grilling the paneer tikka. A grill pan works perfectly if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• Basting brush: To coat the skewers with oil during grilling for added flavor and a nice char.
• Serving platter: To beautifully present the finished dish.

Nutrition Information

Suitable For Diet

• Vegetarian Diet: This dish is naturally vegetarian, as it uses paneer (cottage cheese) and vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Diet: Since it uses chickpea flour instead of wheat flour, it’s safe for those avoiding gluten.
• High-Protein Diet: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, making this dish a good fit for protein-rich meals.
• Keto or Low-Carb Diet (with modifications): Paneer is keto-friendly, and the vegetables can fit into a low-carb lifestyle. Avoid adding yogurt or opt for a low-carb version of the chutney for strict keto adherence.
• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Diet: This fits perfectly as it includes dairy (paneer and yogurt) but no meat.

Tips and Tricks

• Marination Time: For deeper flavors, marinate the paneer and vegetables for at least 1 hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
• Paneer Handling: Use fresh, firm paneer for best results. Be gentle while mixing and skewering to avoid breaking the cubes.
• Even Cutting: Cut the paneer and vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and a balanced presentation.
• Char Marks: To achieve those irresistible char marks, make sure your grill or skillet is properly preheated and lightly oiled.
• Smoky Flavor: For an authentic smoky taste, you can use the “dhungar” method. Place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, drizzle it with ghee or oil, and cover it with the paneer mixture to infuse smoky aroma.
• Chutney Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the mint chutney by adding water gradually. Keep it slightly thick for dipping.
• Vegetable Variety: Experiment with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms in addition to bell peppers and onions for variety.
• Basting for Moisture: Brush the skewers with butter or oil while grilling to keep the paneer soft and flavorful.

Garnishing and Serving

• Garnish Paneer Tikka with a sprinkle of chaat masala and fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation. Serve it on a platter with lemon wedges and mint chutney for dipping.

How to store

• Paneer Tikka is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. However, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Paneer Tikka is a delightful appetizer that combines the richness of paneer with the bold flavors of Indian spices. Whether served as a starter at a dinner party or enjoyed as a snack with friends and family, Paneer Tikka never fails to impress with its irresistible taste and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paneer Tikka