PANEER TIKKA

Paneer tikka is a very popular, vegetarian Indian starter. This is made from chunks of paneer/cottage cheese marinated in spices with yoghurt, arranged on bamboo skewers along with capsicums and onions and later grilled. 

Usually this is served hot seasoned with lemon juice accompanied by mint chutney. 

Paneer Tikka

Ingredients:

• Paneer cubes 1.5 cups
• Capsicum diced (dift. colours) 1 cup
• Onion 1 no. medium sized - diced 
• Ginger paste 2 tsp
• Thick yoghurt 1/2 cup 
• Spice powders - coriander powder 1 tsp, Red chilli powder 1 tsp, Cumin/jeera powder 1/2 tsp, Garam masala 1 tsp, turmeric powder 1/2 tsp, Salt to taste, Kasuri methi (crushed) 1 tsp, Hing/Asafoetida 1 tsp 
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp

Preparation: 

1. In a bowl, take the yoghurt and whisk well with little salt. Add the spice mix and mix all these thoroughly. Add the lemon juice and ginger paste, mix well till a smooth paste is formed. 
2. Add the paneer cubes to this mixture and leave it to marinate for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for a few minutes. This is to avoid them from breaking while arranging the tikka. 
4. Arrange the diced capsicum, onion and marinated paneer cubes in the bamboo skewers. You can choose to alternate the veggies and colours to make the dish attractive. 
5. Heat the grill, spray or brush some oil and place the filled bamboo skewers on it. Roast all sides properly till all sides are golden brown in colour. 

Now Paneer tikka is ready, sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala (optional) and serve hot with mint chutney.