Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a delightful dish straight from the heart of India – the beloved Paneer Tikka. As a fan of robust flavors and comforting meals, this recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire. Paneer, for those who may be unfamiliar, is a fresh, non-melting cheese that beautifully absorbs spices, making it a fantastic canvas for vibrant Indian flavors.
Now, if you’ve ever visited an Indian restaurant or perhaps been lucky enough to travel to India, you might have encountered Paneer Tikka sizzling on skewers, tantalizing your taste buds with its rich aroma. Preparing it at home is easier than you might think and offers the perfect opportunity to adjust the spices to your liking.
One of the joys of cooking paneer tikka is the marinade. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own blend of spices and yogurt, allowing the paneer to soak up all those wonderful flavors. I usually marinate the paneer for about 2 hours, though if time allows, leaving it for 4 hours really deepens the tastes.
The grill does magic here, imparting a smoky char that complements the creamy paneer perfectly. Watching the paneer and vibrant vegetables come to life on the grill never fails to excite me—it’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the stomach.
Of course, what’s Paneer Tikka without a cooling dip to balance the heat? The mint yogurt dip is simplicity at its best. A mix of fresh mint and coriander combined with yogurt creates a refreshing counterpart that enhances every bite of spice-laden paneer.
I love serving this dish as a starter at dinner parties, but it’s also become a family favorite for weekend meals. Whether around a table with loved ones or enjoying a quiet evening, paneer tikka has a way of bringing warmth and joy—a little piece of India on your plate.
So, my friends, roll up your sleeves and fire up those grills! Let’s dive into a delicious culinary adventure that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fabulous twists you add to the recipe. Bon appétit, or as we say in Hindi, “Swadisht Bhojan”! 
Ingredients
– 300g paneer, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
– 150g plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 large bell pepper, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
– 1 large onion, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
**For the Mint Yogurt Dip:**
– 150g plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Whisk together until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, about 200°C (392°F).
4. Skewer the marinated paneer cubes, alternating with the bell pepper and onion pieces, onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
5. Brush the skewered paneer and vegetables lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is slightly charred and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. While the paneer tikka is grilling, prepare the mint yogurt dip. In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mint leaves, coriander leaves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
8. Once the paneer tikka is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
9. Serve the paneer tikka hot with the mint yogurt dip on the side. Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Indian treat!
