Paneer Tikka–A perfect Appetizer

Paneer Tikka is a very popular appetizer or starter. It has its unique taste and aroma. It is made from marinated paneer and veggies. The spices added in the marination is a personal  choice. When marinating is ready, then the dish can be done in 15 – 20 minutes. You could also serve this as a side with roti, naan, pulao or kulcha. Try them with etandoor. I have made them on the tawa here..

Ingredients
Paneer – 250 grams
Capsicum – ½ (cut into inch cubes)
Onion – ½ (cut into inch cubes)
Tomato – 1 (cut into inch cubes)
Garam Masala – 1 table spoon
Chili Sauce – 2 tea spoons
Cayenne Pepper – 1 tea spoon
Curd – ¾ cup
Coriander Powder – 1 table spoon
Cumin Powder – 1 tea spoon
Salt – ¾ tea spoon
Ginger Powder – 1 tea spoon
Turmeric Powder – ½ tea spoon
Oil - 3 to 4 tea spoons

Method
Mix together curd, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, ginger powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, garam masala, chili sauce well.
Cut paneer, onion, capsicum and tomato into similar sized cubes (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches) and marinate in the above curd mixture for at least a few hours. Keep it in the fridge to avoid the curd getting sour. Longer the better. Marinating infuses the flavor into the paneer and vegetables. I marinated it for 24 hours.
Heat 1 tea spoon oil in a shallow pan and slowly add the marinated pieces in a single layer and shallow fry them on all sides and remove from heat once golden. Repeat the process for the remaining marinated pieces. It took me 4 batches to finish the shallow frying. Do not throw the remaining curd gravy if any left, but set it aside.
Remove from heat and garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot!!!


etandoor