Mozzarella-Stuffed Achari Paneer Tikka with Zesty Pepper Salsa
31 minutes
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About Mozzarella-Stuffed Achari Paneer Tikka with Zesty Pepper Salsa
Craving a flavor explosion? These Mozzarella-Stuffed Achari Paneer Tikka bites offer a tantalizing twist on a classic, blending the tangy zest of achari spice with a cheesy, melty mozzarella center. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender paneer triangles, bursting with aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.Baked until golden and served with a vibrant pepper salsa, this fusion dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a party or simply seeking a unique and satisfying meal, these flavorful bites are the perfect starter, appetizer, or even a light main course.
Recipe Time & More
Prep1 minute
Cook30 minutes
Total31 minutes
Ingredients
For the Achari Paneer
- 300 gm Cottage Cheese cut into triangles
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Achari Oil
- 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Gram Flour gram flour, roasted
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Chili Powder kashmiri chili powder, red
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Fenugreek Leaf dried
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
For the Mozzarella Filling
- ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 tbsp Olives minced
- 1 tbsp Tomatoes minced, sun-dried
- 1 handful Basil fresh, torn
- 1 handful Parsley chopped, fresh
For the Zesty Pepper Salsa
- ¼ cup Bell Peppers chopped, finely
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Clarified Butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt until smooth. This ensures a creamy marinade that coats the paneer evenly.
- Add the achari oil, ginger-garlic paste, roasted besan, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, dried kasuri methi, and salt to the yogurt. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the paneer triangles with the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully covered. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 45 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- While the paneer marinates, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, minced olives, minced sun-dried tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the zesty pepper salsa. Combine the finely chopped bell pepper, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Lightly grease a baking tray.
- Place the marinated paneer triangles on the prepared baking tray. Spoon a generous portion of the mozzarella filling onto each paneer triangle.
- Top each filled paneer triangle with another marinated triangle, creating a sandwich. Drizzle melted ghee over the assembled tikkas. The ghee adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the paneer is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. For a smoky flavor, you can optionally smoke the tikkas with charcoal after baking.
- Serve the hot Mozzarella-Stuffed Achari Paneer Tikka immediately with the zesty pepper salsa.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Chill the paneer cubes after stuffing and before grilling to help the mozzarella set, preventing it from oozing out too soon during cooking.
- Try using kalamata or green olives for the stuffing to add an extra layer of flavor and a pleasant briny contrast to the tangy achari marinade.
- For a smoky barbecue flavor, briefly grill the tikkas over charcoal or use a smoking technique with a piece of hot coal and a splash of ghee in a covered pan.
- Leftover achari tikka can be repurposed into wraps or rolls with fresh greens and mint chutney, making a vibrant lunch option for the next day.
Expert Tips
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan or grill grates when cooking the tikkas. This ensures even cooking and a nice char.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the paneer for a longer period, even overnight.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover achari tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 14gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 855mgSugar: 5g
5 Comments
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This is so tempting! Can’t wait to cook it.
Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Such a lovely dish! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.