GRILLED PANEER TIKKA IN OVEN

Paneer tikka, a popular North Indian Starter that can be made at home in a easy way. It is very easy and dry paneer tikka recipe. Paneer tikka masala is gravy based recipe which I am going to share in next few days. It is a healthy and protein rich tandoori recipe made from cottage cheese. Chunks of paneer and vegetables like capsicum, onions are marinated in curd and some spices and then grilled. I have already shared the recipe which is on non-stick tawa or pan on gas stove. But today I am sharing grilled Tandoori Paneer in  oven. Taste is almost the same. Paneer tikka is authentic tandoori recipe prepared with indian spices and tandoori masala. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka. The trick in grilling these amazingly delicious skewers is to ensure that the paneer, whilst perfectly succulent and tender, should also have a slight crisp on the surface. Serve Grilled Paneer Tikka with tangy garlic chutney / tomato sauce and spicy min-coriander chutney and enjoy.

INGREDIENTS:

For Paneer Tikka-

2 Cups Paneer cubes

1 Medium Onion, cut into big chunks

1 Green, Red and Yellow Pepper, cut into big squares

1 Large Tomato - de-seeded and cut

Chopped Coriander

Lemon Juice

For Marinade-

3 tablespoon Mustard Oil

1 teaspoon Ginger Paste

1 teaspoon Garlic Paste

½ Cup Thick Curd

2 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder

1 tablespoon Coriander Powder

½ teaspoon Garam Masala

1 teaspoon Kasoori Methi

1 teaspoon Chaat Masala

1 teaspoon Besan

1 tablespoon Oil

Lemon Juice

Black Pepper Powder

Salt to taste

METHOD:

STEP 1 – Mix all the ingredients required for the marinade.

 Mix it well to form a smooth marinade.

STEP 2 – Add paneer cubes, onion chunks and bell peppers in the marinade, toss well, cover and

 set aside for at least ½ - 2 hrs.

STEP 3 – Preheat the oven at 220 degrees C/ 430 degrees F for 10 minutes.

STEP 4 – Skewer the paneer cubes alternately with onion, tomatoes and bell peppers.

STEP 5 – Place the skewer sticks on the oven racks and bake for 15 minutes turning once half way.

STEP 6 – After 15 minutes, switch off the oven and keep the skewers in oven for next 4-5 minutes or until the paneer has slightly char on the surface.

STEP 7 – Carefully remove the skewers out of the oven and place them to your serving plate.

STEP 8 – Top them with chopped coriander and squeeze some lime juice and serve them hot.

Serve them hot by sprinkling some chaat masala powder over it with onion rings and a lemon wedge. It makes an excellent combination with spicy mint chutney or coriander chutney.

NOTE: * Don’t worry if you don’t have oven or griller. Simply cook the tikkas on a greased tava by turning them once in a while for 8-10 minutes. Once done, grill the paneer skewers over direct gas flame for another 2-3 minutes.