If you’re new to Indian cuisine or just looking to add some variety to your cooking, paneer tikka is a fantastic place to start. This dish is bursting with flavors, easy to make, and a sure crowd-pleaser. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making this mouthwatering treat.

What is Paneer Tikka?

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish made with paneer, a type of fresh cheese. The word “tikka” simply means “small pieces” or “chunks,” which is exactly what you’ll be making. These chunks of paneer are marinated in a creamy mixture of spices and yogurt, skewered, and then grilled to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup of thick yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala (a mix of Indian spices)
• 1 teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (optional but adds great flavor)
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste (or finely minced ginger and garlic)
• A pinch of salt

For the Paneer Tikka:

• 250 grams of paneer (available in most Indian grocery stores or you can make it at home)
• 1 bell pepper (you can use different colors for a colorful presentation)
• 1 onion
• 1 tomato
• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Cooking oil for brushing

Making the Marinade

The marinade is where all the delicious flavors come from. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the thick yogurt, gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves (if using), lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix everything until it becomes a smooth, creamy marinade. This will be the tasty coating for your paneer and veggies.

Marinating the Paneer and Veggies

1. Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes. You can adjust the size according to your preference.
2. Dice the bell pepper, onion, and tomato into similar-sized pieces.
3. Add the paneer cubes and chopped vegetables to the marinade. Make sure they are all well-coated. This is where the magic happens, as the paneer and veggies soak in the delicious flavors.
4. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour. If you can wait longer, that’s even better. This marinating time allows the flavors to infuse deeply.

Grilling Your Paneer Tikka

Now comes the fun part – grilling your marinated paneer and veggies:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature. If you’re using an oven, set it to the broil setting.
2. Thread the marinated paneer and veggies onto skewers. You can alternate between paneer, bell pepper, onion, and tomato for a colorful presentation.
3. Brush the skewers with a bit of cooking oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful char on the paneer and veggies.
4. Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven. Grill until you see lovely grill marks and a slight char on the paneer and veggies. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Serving Your Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka is best served hot and fresh. Before serving, sprinkle some chaat masala (a tangy spice blend) over the grilled pieces for an extra burst of flavor. You can garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with mint chutney or a side of naan bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Making paneer tikka is not as complicated as it may seem. With some simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, paneer tikka is a delightful choice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is paneer, and where can I find it? Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese that’s available in most Indian grocery stores. You can also make it at home using milk and lemon juice or vinegar.

2. Can I make paneer tikka in the oven if I don’t have a grill? Absolutely! You can achieve similar results in the oven. Just use the broil setting and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

3. Is paneer tikka very spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste. You can use less red chili powder in the marinade if you prefer it milder.

4. What can I serve with paneer tikka besides naan and mint chutney? Paneer tikka pairs well with various Indian bread like roti or paratha, and you can also serve it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

5. Can I prepare the marinade and paneer tikka in advance? Yes, you can marinate the paneer and veggies in advance, even overnight. This can be a time-saver if you’re hosting a party or dinner.