Published on

Paneer Tikka - A Flavorful North Indian Delight with Paneer and Spices

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍲 About This Dish

Paneer Tikka, a popular North Indian dish, holds a special place in Indian cuisine. Originating from the region's vibrant culinary heritage, this dish showcases the art of marinating and grilling paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), Paneer Tikka offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Yogurt (Dahi)
  • Besan (Gram flour)
  • Ginger (Adrak)
  • Garlic (Lehsun)
  • Garam masala
  • Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • Red chili powder (Lal Mirch)
  • Kasuri methi (Dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Lemon juice
  • Mustard oil (Sarson ka tel)
  • Salt

✨ What Makes It Special

Paneer Tikka offers a myriad of regional variations within India. While the basic concept of marinated and grilled paneer remains consistent, each region adds its own twist with unique spice blends and cooking techniques. In North India, the marinade typically includes yogurt, while in other regions like the South, variations with coconut-based marinades can be found.

📝 Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Besan
  • 1 tbsp Ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp Garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Kasuri methi
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Mustard oil
  • Salt to taste

🥄 Spice Blend (Masala)

To prepare the spice blend, combine garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, kasuri methi, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to create a fragrant masala mix that will enhance the flavors of the dish.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, besan, ginger paste, garlic paste, prepared spice blend, lemon juice, and mustard oil.
  2. Add paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) or prepare a grill.
  4. Skewer the marinated paneer cubes and place them in the oven or on the grill.
  5. Cook until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred on the edges, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  6. Serve hot with mint chutney and onion rings.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Marination: 2 hours
  • Cooking: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Paneer Tikka pairs beautifully with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Serve it hot as an appetizer or alongside Indian bread like naan or with rice as a main course. The smoky flavors from grilling add an authentic touch to the dish.

💭 Chef's Notes

For an authentic smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. Adjust the spice levels to suit your preference, and feel free to experiment with additional spices like chaat masala or cumin powder for a unique twist.

📦 Storage

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

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Paneer Tikka, a dish that encapsulates the essence of North Indian cuisine with its rich history and aromatic spices.