Teresa's Recipes
Tandoori Paneer Tikka
Tandoori Paneer Tikka is a vibrant and flavorful Indian appetizer that brings the essence of traditional Indian cooking to your table. This dish features paneer, a soft and creamy Indian cottage cheese, marinated in a rich blend of spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection. The combination of smoky grilled paneer with colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh coriander makes it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a delightful starter for any meal, this dish has its roots in the North Indian tandoor cooking style, where meats and vegetables are cooked in a clay oven, imparting an irresistible smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 400g, cut into cubes Paneer
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- to taste Salt
- 2 tablespoons (for brushing) Vegetable oil
- 1, cut into chunks Onion
- 1 each of red, yellow, and green, cut into chunks Bell peppers
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- for garnish Fresh coriander leaves
- for serving Lemon wedges
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat the paneer evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with onion, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation.
- Brush the skewers lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is slightly charred and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies to the marinade.
- You can substitute paneer with tofu for a vegan version of this dish.
- Serve with mint chutney or yogurt sauce for an extra layer of flavor.