11/06/2025
🔥 Paneer Tikka (Indian Grilled Cottage Cheese Skewers)
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins (plus marination)
🍳 Cook Time: 15–20 mins
🍽️ Serves: 3–4
🧾 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
200–250g paneer (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
1/2 cup thick curd/yogurt (preferably hung curd or Greek yogurt)
1 tbsp besan (gram flour) – roasted
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder (or Kashmiri red chili for color)
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin powder
Salt to taste
For the Veggies (Optional):
1 small onion – cut into petals
1/2 capsicum (bell pepper) – diced
1/2 tomato – deseeded and diced
(Use red, yellow, green peppers for color)
🍢 Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
Add besan, spices, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil. Mix well.
Taste and adjust salt/spices.
2. Marinate the Paneer and Veggies
Add paneer cubes and chopped veggies.
Gently mix so everything is well coated. Be careful not to break the paneer.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1–2 hours preferred for deeper flavor).
3. Cook the Tikka
You have 3 options:
A. On Tawa/Pan (Stovetop)
Heat a little oil in a nonstick or cast-iron pan.
Place the marinated paneer and veggies on the pan.
Cook on medium flame, turning occasionally, until charred and golden on all sides.
B. In Oven
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Arrange paneer and veggies on skewers.
Place on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, then broil (or grill) for 2–3 minutes until slightly charred.
C. On Grill
Grill on skewers over medium-high heat until lightly charred and cooked (turn occasionally).
🍽️ To Serve
Sprinkle chaat masala and lemon juice on top.
Serve with green chutney and onion rings.
✅ Tips
Use firm paneer for best results.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 mins before grilling to prevent burning.
Don’t overcook the paneer—it can turn rubbery.
