Namaste! my fellow foodies! Today, we’re delving into the world of flavours, spices, and pure culinary enchantment with a Paneer Tikka recipe fit for a king or queen. Prepare to go out on a delicious voyage that will leave your senses tingling with joy. This recipe offers an explosion of flavours that will have you going back for more, whether you’re a fan of spices or are just trying to titillate your taste buds.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Paneer Tikka
A national and international favourite, Paneer Tikka is the crown jewel of Indian appetisers. The tender cubes of paneer, an Indian cottage cheese, are skewered and cooked to perfection after being marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and yoghurt. Each bite is a symphony of flavours and textures, with the creamy paneer, smoky fragrance, and hot spices all blending together.
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional breakdown for health-conscious foodies:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
| Potassium | 6% DV |
| Vitamin E | 8% DV |
| Vitamin K | 10% DV |
| Folate | 6% DV |
| Magnesium | 8% DV |
| Zinc | 15% DV |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cottage cheese) | 250g |
| Hung Curd | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Onion | 1 medium, petals separated |
| Capsicum | 1 medium, petals separated |
| Tomatoes | 1 medium, petals separated |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
- Marination Magic: A delicious marinade can be made by combining hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Paneer Prep: The paneer should be cut into bite-sized cubes, and each cube should be gently incorporated into the marinade to ensure that it is thoroughly covered. Give them around 15 minutes to absorb all the goodness.
- Assemble and Skewer: To make a colourful and enticing arrangement, thread the marinated paneer, onion petals, capsicum petals, and tomato petals onto skewers in alternating directions.
- Grill Time: Use a grill pan or start the grill. Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until the paneer gets a beautiful char and the vegetables turn slightly tender.
- Sizzle and Serve: After cooking is complete, place the paneer tikka skewers on a serving platter. For an added kick, add a pinch of chaat masala. Serve hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney.
Paneer Tikka video tutorial
What to Serve Alongside:
Green chutney, acidic tamarind chutney, or even a chilled yoghurt dip go great with Paneer Tikka. Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and onions in a side salad make a cooling addition. Remember to keep some naan or roti on hand to sop up the delicacy.
Variations of Paneer tikka:
- Achari Paneer Tikka: Add a dab of pickle masala to the marinade to give your paneer tikka the sour flavours of Indian pickles. The outcome? a delicious blending of spice and sourness.
- Malai Paneer Tikka: The malai paneer tikka is a lovely choice for individuals who want milder flavours. For a luxurious and creamy treat, swap the yoghurt for heavy cream in the marinade.
History of the Dish:
The origins of paneer tikka can be found in the Mughal era, when it was a favourite meal of the aristocracy. The word “shahi” itself means “royal,” and this meal is certainly royal. Paneer tikka was a monument to the Mughals’ culinary prowess. The Mughals were famed for their love of tasty food. As it made its way from the royal kitchens to the centre of Indian cuisine, its popularity grew like wildfire.
You can learn more about the background of this delicious dish’s history at paneer tikka history
Fun Facts:
- You can experiment with additional proteins such as chicken, mushrooms, or tofu when making paneer tikka.
- The red chilli powder and turmeric used in the marinade give the tikka its vivid red colour.
- Paneer tikka is traditionally prepared in a tandoor, a clay oven that gives food a characteristic smokey flavour.
Conclusion:
A symphony of flavours, Paneer Tikka has delighted generations with its exquisite flavour and extensive history. Take your ingredients together, light the grill, and treat yourself to a meal fit for kings and queens.
FAQs:
Can I make paneer tikka on a stovetop?
Certainly it can can be made on a good quality stovetop
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the marinade?
Yes, of course! Coconut yoghurt or dairy-free yoghurt are acceptable alternatives.
Can I freeze the marinated paneer for later use?
Certainly! For a quick and tasty treat, marinated paneer can be stored and consumed within a month.
Is paneer tikka spicy?
Your personal taste preferences can be taken into account when adjusting the level of spice. To suit your tastes, you can adjust the amount of red chilli powder.
Remember, the key to a stellar paneer tikka lies in the perfect balance of flavours and the passion you infuse into its creation. Happy cooking, and may your paneer tikka adventures be nothing short of extraordinary!
