Paneer tikka

Indian dish made from marinated paneer

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian dish made from paneer, a type of fresh cheese common in Indian cuisine. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and is often served as an appetizer or snack. Paneer tikka is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, which is a cylindrical clay oven, but it can also be prepared on a grill or in an oven.

Preparation

Paneer tikka is made by marinating cubes of paneer in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The marinade typically includes garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and ginger-garlic paste. The marinated paneer is then skewered and grilled until it is charred and cooked through.

Ingredients

• Paneer
• Yogurt
• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Vegetable oil

Method

1. Marination: Cut the paneer into cubes. In a bowl, mix yogurt with spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and lemon juice. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Skewering: Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. Optionally, you can alternate the paneer with pieces of bell pepper and onion for added flavor and color.

3. Cooking: Preheat the grill or oven. Cook the skewers until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred on the edges. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

4. Serving: Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Variations

Paneer tikka can be customized with different spices and ingredients. Some variations include adding kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the marinade for a distinct flavor. Another variation is achari paneer tikka, which incorporates pickling spices into the marinade.

Nutritional Information

Paneer tikka is a good source of protein due to the paneer. It is also rich in calcium and phosphorus. However, it can be high in fat, especially if cooked with a lot of oil or butter.

Cultural Significance

Paneer tikka is a staple in North Indian cuisine and is often served at weddings, parties, and other celebrations. It is also a popular dish in Indian restaurants worldwide.

Related pages

• Paneer
• Tandoor
• Indian cuisine
• Vegetarian cuisine