Paneer is a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cooking.Its a good source of protein for vegetarians.Its such a versatile product that can be used in a thousand ways, sweet and savory.This dish is a very popular North Indian appetizer that you will find in most Indian restaurants.I love this dish for its simplicity, flavor and its appearance.
Paneer is easily available at your Indian Grocer’s.It can also be made at home by heating a Gallon of Whole milk and when it comes to boiling point just add 2 tbsp of vinegar or 4 tbsp of lemon juice to curdle it.Collect the curds in a cheesecloth and squeeze it.Tie at the top and leave it hanging so that all the whey has strained out.You can then set the curd in a rectangular shaped dish in the refrigerator and once it has set, cut it into pieces and use it to make all kinds of preparations.If you’re not prepared to do all the effort,you can just get store bought paneer from your Indian Grocer or even Whole Foods!
The key to making good Tandoori Paneer Tikka is to marinade it for about 4-5 hrs at the least, so that the flavors penetrate.You will also need to soak some skewers in water for about 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers) before putting them in the grill.Its a great make-ahead appetizer for parties, gatherings and potlucks. Marinade it the day before and grill it just before the guests arrive!!
Ingredients
- Paneer 300 gms- cubed 2" (I use store bought)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper(Capsicum)-cut in squares
- Thick Yoghurt-2 cups
- Ginger Garlic Paste-1 tbsp
- Tandoori Masala-2 tbsp(available in most stores)
- Lemon juice-2 tbsp
- Chaat Masala(readily available in Indian Stores)-2 tbsp
- Oil-2 tbsp
Instructions
- In a zip lock bag put all the ingredients except chaat masala and tightly seal it.Mix the contents well together and leave it in the refrigerator for 4-5 hrs or overnight to marinade.
- Place the marinaded Paneer and Bell Peppers into skewers on an aluminium foil on a baking sheet and broil(grill) on high heat for about 8-10 mins turning once until its all golden around the edges, but not overcooked.Sprinkle some chaat masala over the top.
- Arrange the Paneer with or without skewers in a serving tray with salad and lemon wedges.Serve hot with Coriander Chutney!
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So it’s a nice recipe but I would add a tablespoon of chickpeas flour to help the marinate coat and stay on the paneer cubes.Regards Maria
Thankyou and yes you can do that too!
oh wow those sound so delicious and flavorful, i’m wondering if i can track down all the ingredients
Thanks so much!Its one of my favorite appetizers to serve my guests!
I am probably the biggest paneer tikka fan to walk this earth – I would eat them by the trays if I could!
Your recipe and pictures are a prime example!
Delicious and mouthwatering!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself
Thanks Sawsan!It sure is flavorful!Thanks for stopping-by 🙂
I love paneer and this is a must try for sure
Love all the flavors in it
This is just stunning. I love everything about it. And I see you import your paneer from Canada so yeah for me being able to find it easily.
Thanks Kim!Yeah we use Nanak Paneer that’s actually imported from Canad.So yeah you should easily find it over there!!
Thanks Ruth!Try it, is very easy and very tasty 🙂
That recipe looks amazing! I would love to try it!
Thanks Nava!I guess the quality depends on where you live.Over here in NJ,we get really good paneer that’s imported from Canada.You can try making paneer at home in that case.
I have tried the ready made paneer but did not like the taste, I am not sure whether its the product or my taste bud. Thats a lovely recipe and for sure new because I never knew paneer can be grilled. Another bookmarking for my vegetarian food.
Thanks MJ!Very flavorful indeed!
What a great recipe! Love the flavors and textures! Beautiful pics!
Thanks for stopping-by Liz!!
Such a beautiful dish! Garnished to perfection 🙂 More great #citruslove!!!
Thanks Cucina!You can use the steel ones out on the BBQ.It works best if the skewers are suspended over something so that paneer is not touching the base since paneer has a tendency to stick.
This looks phenomenal–I love all the colors you have worked in through the garnish. Do you think the skewers would stand up to the heat of a BBQ grill?
Thanks Junia!It is a very simple dish!Citruslove to you as well 🙂
wow you make paneer sound so easy to make and so appetizing! would love to try it! sending some #citruslove to you!
Thanks Elizabeth!Citruslove to you too 🙂
Amazing tandoori recipe! Thanks for sharing the citrus-love!
Thanks Eftychia!In that case you can make it at home,by following the instructions that I have written.Just mix the marinade very gently and reduce the marination time to 2 hours (since its quite soft and might not hold for too long) and do not put them in skewers.Just arrange them on a baking sheet.Enjoy 🙂
I wish I could find this cheese in Cyprus. It sounds delicious!
Thanks Georgie!
Mmm’ Mmm’ good! Gorgeous photo’s too!
Thanks Jeanette.You’re right it is quite simple recipe but packed with flavor!
What a nice simple but flavorful recipe, fun to eat too!
Thanks EA,I’m also enjoying this Citrus bloghop with all you guys!
Lovely dish and so colorful! I’ve never cooked with Paneer cheese before, but this is a must try! So glad you joined the #citruslove bloghop!
Thank you Laura!Try it,you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Wow, Soni, this looks like a great starter dish for someone who wants to learn to cook Indian food but has never even attempted (that would be me:-) I have enjoyed many dishes elsewhere, but I haven’t attempted to make any at home. These ingredients and easy method seems like a perfect way to get started. Thanks so much for sharing it!