How to Prepare Paneer Tikka: A Delectable Indian Dish
Paneer tikka is a mouthwatering Indian dish that combines the creamy texture of paneer with the spicy flavors of tandoori spices. It is a popular appetizer or side dish that can be enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice. If you’re looking to prepare this delicious dish at home, follow these simple steps to create a flavorful paneer tikka that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Before you start preparing paneer tikka, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 cup paneer (cottage cheese)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder
– 1 tablespoon red chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
– 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
– 1/4 cup yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation
1. Cut the paneer into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, turmeric powder, black pepper, ajwain, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida.
3. Add the yogurt, olive oil or melted butter, and lemon juice to the spice mixture. Stir well to create a smooth paste.
4. Add the paneer cubes to the spice mixture and coat them evenly. Make sure all the paneer pieces are well-coated.
5. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a more flavorful result.
Cooking
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a tandoor if you have one.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place the paneer pieces on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Alternatively, if you have a tandoor, place the paneer pieces on a skewer or a flat surface and cook them in the tandoor for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are well-cooked and have a slight char on the edges.
Serving
Once the paneer tikka is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with your choice of bread or rice. Enjoy your homemade paneer tikka with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
Now that you know how to prepare paneer tikka, you can easily impress your guests with this delicious Indian dish. Happy cooking!
