Pudina Paneer Tikka with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (9 oz) paneer, cut into cubes 250g (9 oz) paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• 1 cup (20g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1 cup (20g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for grilling Vegetable oil for grilling
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine yogurt, mint leaves, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently toss until each piece is well coated. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the paneer develops a golden-brown char.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
7. 7.
   Serve the Pudina Paneer Tikka hot with mint chutney on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paneer — Ensure that the paneer is firm and fresh for the best texture. If you can't find paneer, you can substitute it with firm tofu.
• Mint leaves — Use fresh mint leaves for the marinade to achieve the vibrant flavor. Avoid using dried mint leaves as they won't provide the same freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the paneer to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve the Pudina Paneer Tikka with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra tangy kick.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the paneer tikka on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler.
• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers and onions to add more variety to the skewers.

Serving advice

Serve the Pudina Paneer Tikka as an appetizer or as part of a main course. It pairs well with naan bread, roti, or rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled paneer tikka skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves. Serve with a side of mint chutney and lemon wedges for a vibrant and inviting presentation.