How to make awesome Paneer tikka in 45 minutes

Paneer tikka, the very name of which makes the mouth start watering, is the favorite snacking dish both among children and adults. Perhaps many of you who are reading this would agree that you tend to order this dish as a starter not only because of the big pieces of cottage cheese but because of the aroma and flavor it has or which attracts everyone. It can also be enjoyed along with the drinks when on an outing with friends. 

It is the most easily prepared dish and can be cooked with few ingredients, all one needs to do is to carry paneer and some basic masala in their backpack when going for an outing with friends and family. Preparing any dish when outing with friends and family makes the moment memorable forever.

There are numerous recipes based on paneer tikka and all with unique flavors. You will find paneer tikka in pizza, sandwiches, and in vegetable biryani. There are a lot of varieties in paneer tikka too like Achari, Malai, Hariyali, tandoori, biryani, wrap, Kathi roll paneer tikka etc. The list is endless and in India at every corner you will find it being prepared in a unique way. It is the Indian spices that add flavor to every dish

After preparing this dish I couldn’t resist sharing this recipe of Paneer tikka that was prepared on gas stove it can also be prepared when you going on an outing with your friends. Here’s my experience of how it came out, it came out awesome with the masala in marination added giving it a spicy flavor that made it even tastier. As compared to the tandoor version prepared in restaurants it was equally awesome. I had it along with the chapatti/ pulka (bread), you can even add it to biryani after it is ready and make paneer tikka biryani.

In this recipe I have used fresh paneer prepared at home, you can even use paneer available in market. To keep the recipe healthy, I have not fried the paneer, if you want to push the calorie needle towards the bigger number then you can go ahead with frying. If you want a healthy version stick to my steps that I am going to share in the coming paras.

Before we proceed any further let me share with all of you the benefits of including paneer in your daily diet. So here we go…

Benefits of Paneer

Paneer is most extensively used in Indian kitchens in vast variety of dishes that too in numerous forms. Sometime it is used to garnish the dish, whereas the list of dishes prepared from paneer is endless. Some of which are chilly paneer, palak paneer and paneer bhurji.

Paneer is a rich source of protein and is even preferred by body builders. Paneer is the best alternative for protein for vegetarians. It is loaded with vitamin D and calcium. Paneer not only strengthens our bones but also gives us good oral health. Minerals like phosphorus and magnesium give a nitro boost to our digestive system. 

It is great for diabetic patients and helps to keep the blood sugar levels under control as it is low on carbs. Adding cottage cheese to the menu prevents muscle cramps as paneer contains potassium. Respiratory diseases like asthma too can be prevented by adding cottage cheese to the menu in various forms like salad, vegetables, biryani etc. It plays an important role in growing kids as it contains vital vitamins and minerals like A, B, D, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Paneer aids in fighting diseases by strengthening our immune system.

Ingredients (Serve 2 pax)

200 gms paneer/ cottage cheese cut into 1" cubes

1 small capsicum cut into 1" squares

1 onion cut into 1 "squares

2 tbsp ginger garlic paste

3 tbsp Tomato sauce

3 tbsp curd

3 tbsp oil

2 tbsp Besan/ gram flour

1 tsp salt or to taste

2 tsp garam masala

1tbsp dhania powder

1/4th tsp turmeric powder

1/4th tsp red chilli powder or to taste

Step By Step (photo wise)

Step 1

In a large bowl put curd, sauce, ginger garlic paste and all masala and mix well.

Step 2

Now add the paneer cubes, onion and capsicum to the bowl and coat and mix well.

Cover and leave to marinate for 30 mins or more. If you want to marinate for longer keep it in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Heat oil in a broad non-stick pan and add the marinated paneer.

Step 4

Spread out the pieces in the pan and leave for a minute and then stir every time scraping off the masalas from the pan.

Step 5

Keep stirring and cooking for 10 minutes till everything is well roasted.

Finally add 1/4th cup of water and cook for 2 mins till the wet masala coats the vegetables and paneer and excess water evaporates.

Step 6

Paneer tikka is ready.

Step By Step (video)

Method

1) In a large bowl put curd, sauce, ginger garlic paste and all masala and mix well.

2) Now add the paneer cubes, onion and capsicum to the bowl and coat and mix well.

3) Cover and leave to marinate for 30 minutes or more. If you want to marinate for longer keep it in the refrigerator.

4) Heat oil in a broad non-stick pan and add the marinated paneer.

5) Spread out the pieces in the pan and leave for a minute and then stir every time scraping off the masalas from the pan.

6) Keep stirring and cooking for 10 minutes till everything is well roasted.

7) Finally add 1/4th cup of water and cook for 2 minutes till the wet masalas coat the vegetables and paneer and excess water evaporates.

Conclusion

Paneer contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B, D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It is good for diabetic patients. It keeps our bones and teeth strong. It helps in preventing muscle cramps and respiratory diseases like asthma.

 Paneer tikka is the favorite starters in India both among kids and the adults. It is available in varieties.

Paneer tikka is prepared by preparing the marination from curd, spices mixing them well together and keeping it in refrigerator for 30 minutes or more. Then by adding paneer and the vegetables in marination again mix it well together. Heat oil, add the mixture and spread it. Let it roast properly from all sides, then add water. Dry the water and serve hot.