Creamy Tandoori Paneer Tikka: A Restaurant-Quality Indian Recipe
4 hours 55 minutes
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About Creamy Tandoori Paneer Tikka: A Restaurant-Quality Indian Recipe
Embark on a flavorful adventure with this easy Creamy Tandoori Paneer Tikka recipe! Imagine succulent paneer, kissed by smoky char, and infused with the vibrant spices of India. It's a vegetarian dish guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.Tender paneer cubes are marinated in a creamy yogurt blend, fragrant with aromatic spices and a hint of bright lemon. Grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions, each bite is an explosion of flavor.This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for any gathering, from casual weeknights to special celebrations. Serve with a dollop of refreshing mint chutney and prepare for a truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Recipe Time & More
Prep4 hours 15 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total4 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients
Marinade
- 250 gm Cottage Cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 5 clove Garlic crushed
- 1 tbsp Ginger crushed
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder or to taste, red
- 1 tsp Coriander ground
- 0.25 tsp Food Coloring optional, red
Vegetables
- 2 Bell Peppers capsicum, cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 Onions cut into 1-inch squares
For Serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, lemon juice, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and optional food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion squares to the marinade. Gently toss to coat evenly, ensuring the paneer doesn't break. Marinating the paneer allows it to absorb the flavors, resulting in a more tender and flavorful tikka.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the paneer.
- Preheat your oven's broiler to high or 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating between ingredients. This creates a visually appealing and evenly cooked dish.
- Lightly brush the skewers with oil. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the grill grates. Broil or grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is lightly charred and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Grilling or broiling imparts a smoky char and enhances the flavors of the marinade.
- Serve the Creamy Tandoori Paneer Tikka hot, garnished with fresh mint chutney and lemon wedges. The mint chutney provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the paneer.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra creamy texture, add a tablespoon of cashew paste or hung curd (Greek yogurt) to the marinade. This helps the spices cling better and enhances the silkiness of the paneer after grilling.
- If you don’t have access to a tandoor or grill, use an oven with the broiler setting or an air fryer. Brush the paneer and veggies with a little oil to help achieve a smoky char.
- To infuse a subtle smoky flavor without a grill, place a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, nest it in the marinated paneer, drizzle with ghee (clarified butter), and cover for 5 minutes before skewering and cooking.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use plant-based yogurt in the marinade. Make sure to press the tofu well so it absorbs the flavors.
Expert Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Cut the paneer and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the grill or pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover paneer tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 13gFat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gSodium: 1140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g
4 Comments
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Perfect dish! Can’t wait to cook it.
Looks so mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.
Such a lovely dish! Thanks for sharing.
Such a delicious dish! Thank you.