Paneer Tikka (Dry)

Paneer tikka is an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes. Paneer tikka is marinated paneer/cottage chese cubes, arranged on skewers and grilled or baked in the oven.This recipe is for paneer tikka and not paneer tikka masala. paneer tikka is dry whereas paneer tikka masala is a gravied dish. 

It is one of best paneer recipes that can be served as starter or as an accompaniment. There are multiple ways in which this awesome starter can be prepared. 

Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 1hr 
Serves: 10



INGREDIENTS:
Main ingredients 

250gms Paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1-inch square, 1/2 inch thick slices

2 Green Capsicums, cut into 1-inch squares

1 tomato, cut into 1-inch squares (optional)

1 medium Onion, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 medium Potato, cut into 1-inch squares (optional)

For the marinade: 1½ teaspoons Ginger-Garlic Paste

1 cup Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt)

1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala powder

1/2 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

1 teaspoon Coriander Powder½ tsp black pepper powder (optional)

1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala

1½ tablespoons Oil

Salt1 to 2 tbsp oil or ghee or butter for brushing

1-2 teaspoon Lemon Juice1 tsp jeera powder/cumin seeds powder

METHOD:In a large bowl, take the curd and whisk it till it becomes smooth Combine the curds, ginger paste, garlic paste, chilli powder, kasuri methi, garam masala, coriander, oil and salt and mix well to prepare a marinade. Add the paneer, onion, potato and capsicum to it and mix gently to coat all added ingredients with marinade. Keep aside for 2 hours to marinate. If possible, cover and place them in refrigerator to marinate overnight. Arrange capsicum, potato, onion, paneer and capsicum in given order on small wooden toothpick/ skewer. Heat non-stick griddle or tawa, spread 1½ tablespoons oil on it. When tawa is hot enough, shallow fry skewered paneer and vegetables over medium heat. Cook each side by turning toothpick/ skewer until all sides are light brown. This will take approx 3-4 minutes. Crispy paneer tikka dry is ready. Serve hot, sprinkled with the chaat masala. Dry paneer tikka can be served with green chutney as a side dish or starter.

Tips and Variations:

• If you do not have non-stick griddle or non-stick tawa, then use regular tawa or griddle and add more oil while shallow frying to prevent it from sticking.
• Use tomato, yellow capsicum and baby corn for variation.
• Use sour cream if curd is not available.
• Tofu can be used as a substitute of paneer in this recipe.
• You can add two tbsp besan in the marination. this will prevent the paneer from sticking to the tava and will give a nice taste.
• Alternatively,grill the paneer tikkas on a tandoor or barbeque grill till light brown in colour from all sides.