In the wonder of Indian cuisine, paneer tikka stands out as a vibrant and irresistible delicacy. Originating from the northern regions of India, this vegetarian dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the subcontinent. From its aromatic spices to its succulent texture, paneer tikka offers a symphony of flavours that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on the palate.
At the heart of paneer tikka lies paneer, a fresh cheese made from curdled milk. Known for its mild taste and firm texture, paneer serves as the perfect carrier. It will happily absorb the myriad of spices and marinades that define this wonderful dish. Traditionally, cubes of paneer are marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices. The spices can include cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala, among others. This marinade infuses the paneer with a tantalising medley of flavours. This simple combination creates a perfect mix of tastes that is both complex and deeply satisfying.
Once marinated, the paneer cubes are skewered along with colourful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. This not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also introduces a variety of textures and tastes. The skewers are then grilled or roasted, allowing the heat to coax out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It also imparts a smoky char to the paneer.
The result is a wonderful array of colours, aromas, and flavours that come together to create a cheesy masterpiece. Each bite of paneer tikka offers a burst of spicy-sweet goodness, tempered by the cooling influence of the yogurt marinade. The contrast of tender paneer with the crisp edges from grilling creates a sensation that is both satisfying and addictive.
Paneer tikka is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of India’s culinary diversity and heritage. Whether enjoyed as an appetiser, a side dish or a main course, it never fails to delight and inspire. So, the next time you fancy a taste of India, why not savour the flavours of paneer tikka. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Paneer Tikka
With its aromatic spices and succulent paneer, paneer tikka is a dish that promises to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of India. Enjoy the explosion of flavours and the warmth of Indian cuisine with every bite.
- 400 g paneer (cut into cubes)
- 1 large bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 large onion (cut into chunks)
- 2 large tomatoes (cut into chunks)
- 235 ml plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 bunch coriander (cilantro for garnish)
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add paneer cubes, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes to the marinade. Gently toss until all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated paneer cubes and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between them.
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are lightly charred and cooked through.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt sauce.
Marinade: Ideally to make sure that the Paneer fully absorbs the amazing flavours of the spices it should be marinated for a minimum of 1 hour but overnight is preferable.