Paneer Tikka Recipe (Restaurant Style)

 Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that features marinated and grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with vegetables. Here's a recipe for Paneer Tikka:

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (400 grams) paneer, cut into cubes

• 1 medium-sized bell pepper (capsicum), cut into cubes

• 1 medium-sized onion, cut into cubes

• 1 cup plain yogurt (hung curd)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped

• Chaat masala (optional)

• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

• Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper, and onion cubes to the marinade. Gently toss until all the paneer and vegetables are coated. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can refrigerate it for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

• If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

• Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly grease the grates.

• Thread the marinated paneer, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.

• Brush the skewered paneer and vegetables with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and enhance the grilling process.

• Place the skewers on the grill or in the preheated oven. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are slightly charred and cooked through.

• Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven and transfer the Paneer Tikka to a serving platter.

• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and sprinkle some chaat masala (optional) for added flavor.

• Serve the Paneer Tikka hot, accompanied by lemon wedges. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a main course. You can also serve it with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for dipping.

Paneer Tikka is a delightful dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the succulent paneer and vegetables with their smoky and tangy notes, making it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.