Paneer Tikka Masala: A Delicious Indian Appetizer

 

Paneer Tikka is a delicious Indian appetizer of paneer or Indian cottage cheese, are marinated a vibrant and spicy marinade of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil and a handful of warm fragrant spices including turmeric, powdered cardamom, chill powder, garam masala and my secret ingredient — Tandoori masala — which gives the marinade it's bright orange-red lustre. Combined into a loose paste and liberally coated over pieces of cubed paneer, the marinade works its magic over a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to fully develop. The rich blend of spices gives the Paneer Tikka Masala its unique flavour, but more importantly, it's the yogurt that helps to penetrate the spices into the cheese. This is also the basic marinade that is often used to cook Grilled Tandoori Chicken Masala. Grilled on an outdoor barbecue over medium-high heat, the thick consistency of the yogurt seals in the robust flavours, for a tender, moist and succulent dish that's simply the best.

Paneer Tikka 

Serves 4

1 14 oz block of paneer cheese

Marinade:

1 tbsp gram flour

2 tbsp plain yogurt

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp each turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, chilli powder and paprika

2 tsp ginger paste

1 tbsp garlic paste

1 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 tsp salt

Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, stirring well to combine. Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes and fully coat in the marinade, then cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Preheat an outdoor barbecue to medium-high. Remove the paneer from the marinade and space evenly on the grill. Cook until the paneer is browned on one side, then flip over and cook until they are evenly cooked and have a lovely golden brown colour with attractive grill marks. Serve immediately while hot. Grilled paneer can also be delicious served along with Chicken Tikka Masala, Gobi Mattar and grilled naan.