Paneer Tikka Recipe

History:

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian dish with origins in the Mughlai cuisine. The dish is believed to have been created during the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent, which ruled from the early 16th to mid-18th century. The Mughals were known for their rich and flavorful culinary traditions, and Paneer Tikka is one of the dishes that reflects their love for spices and grilling techniques.

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredients
250g	Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
1/2 cup	Thick yogurt
1 tablespoon	Ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon	Lemon juice
1 teaspoon	Red chili powder
1 teaspoon	Garam masala
1/2 teaspoon	Turmeric powder
1 teaspoon	Cumin powder
1 teaspoon	Coriander powder
1 tablespoon	Oil
1/2 cup	Capsicum (bell pepper), diced
1/2 cup	Onion, diced
1/2 cup	Tomato, diced
1 tablespoon	Butter, melted
Skewers
Salt	to taste
Fresh coriander leaves	for garnish
Lemon wedges	for serving

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine thick yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and oil. Mix everything well to form a smooth marinade.

Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently coat them with the mixture. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the paneer.

Soak the skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.

Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers, alternating with diced capsicum, onion, and tomato.

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

Brush the paneer tikka with melted butter while grilling for a delicious and smoky flavor.

Once done, remove the skewers from the grill/oven, and garnish the paneer tikka with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Paneer Tikka is a delightful appetizer or side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with mint chutney. It is a vegetarian favorite, loved by people of all ages, and a great addition to any Indian meal or barbecue gatherings. Enjoy!