Easy Paneer Tikka Recipe – Restaurant-Style Indian Appetizer

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled or baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful and protein-packed dish that’s perfect as a starter or snack.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 200g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 tsp coriander powder (dhaniya)
• 1 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp gram flour (besan), lightly roasted
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks and layers separated
• 1 medium capsicum, cut into cubes
• 1 medium tomato, deseeded and cut into cubes
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, fenugreek leaves, lemon juice, roasted gram flour, oil, and salt. Mix well to form a thick marinade.

2. Marinate Paneer and Vegetables

1. Add the paneer cubes, onions, capsicum, and tomato to the marinade.
2. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption).

3. Skewer the Paneer and Vegetables

1. Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between paneer and vegetables.

4. Cook the Paneer Tikka

• Grill or Tandoor Method: Preheat the grill or tandoor. Cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred.
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick grill pan or tawa with a little oil. Cook the skewers, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are charred.

5. Serve

1. Serve the paneer tikka hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chaat masala and lemon wedges.
2. Accompany with green chutney or mint yogurt dip.

Tips

• Soft Paneer: Use fresh, soft paneer for the best texture.
• Roasted Gram Flour: Roasting the gram flour enhances the flavor and helps the marinade stick to the paneer.
• Char Marks: To achieve authentic char marks, use a grill or high heat on the stovetop.

Nutrition Chart for Paneer Tikka (per serving, approximately 4 servings)

• Calories —————— 220 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 14 g
• Cholesterol ————— 35 mg
• Sodium ——————– 300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 8 g
• Protein ——————— 15 g
• Sugar ———————— 3 g
• Fiber ———————— 2 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.