Paneer Tikka
Indian Recipe

You won’t miss meat at all with this traditional Indian dish. Loaded with spices and fresh paneer cheese, it will make a believer out of anyone. Serve with basmati rice and mint chutney for an authentic experience.

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Serves 4
Ingredients
 Marinade
1/2  cup  thick, Greek-style yogurt
 1  tablespoon  fresh ginger, finely grated
 1  tablespoon  crushed garlic
 1  small  onion, minced
 1  green chili, minced
 1 1/2  tablespoons  ground coriander
 1  tablespoon  ground cumin
 1/2  teaspoon ground turmeric
 1/2  teaspoon  cayenne pepper
 1/2   teaspoon  mild Kashmiri chilli powder for color, optional*
 1  teaspoon  salt
 1  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
 3/4   teaspoon  garam masala
Paneer Tikka
 1 14-ounce package  paneer, cut into 1-inch squares** and ***
 1  large orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares***
 1   large  green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares***
 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
 ~  chaat masala, for sprinkling****
 ~  quartered limes, for spritzing

*Kashmiri red chilli is very mild, smoky and adds a nice color to the dish. Find it in Indian groceries or online.

**Paneer is a soft Indian cheese available in Indian groceries and some super stores.

***Feel free to cut the paneer and vegetables up to 2-inches. Grilling time will be longer.

****Chaat masala is a sweet and sour Indian spice mixture that contains amchoor (dried mango powder). Used in popular street foods, it’s also added to many Indian and Pakistani drinks and dishes. Find it at Indian groceries or online.

Directions

Paneer 

  1. Using a toothpick or bamboo skewer, poke holes in the block of cheese about every half inch.
  2. Cut the paneer in half horizontally then into 1-inch strips. Cut strips into approximately 1-inch pieces. Set aside. 

Marinade 

  1. Combine all of the ingredients together in blender. Process until smooth. Pour the marinade into a spacious bowl.
  2. Add the paneer pieces, coating thoroughly with spices. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate for 24 hours.
  3. Remove from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. 

Grilling 

Have wooden skewers ready for step 3.

Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

  1. Alternately thread the vegetables and paneer pieces on the skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even cooking on all sides.
  2. Brush lightly with vegetable oil.
  3. Grill the paneer over indirect heat (on medium gas flame or hot coals) until they reach a pale golden brown, about 5–8 minutes. Turn the skewers several times a minute to promote even cooking. Avoid charring the cheese.
  4. Remove skewers from the heat and sprinkle with chaat masala.
  5. Place the paneer tikka and limes on a platter and serve.
Preparation Time: 
Approximately 45 minutes, plus 24 hours marinating.