Paneer Tikka or Shaslik
This recipe for cocktail paneer tikka can be done on the grill or in an air-fryer. I plan meals a few days ahead, that is the only way I keep up with things. So, I had marinated the paneer and was ready to go, until the heatwave struck. Grilling was out, air-frying was in and all was well.
My Paneer Tikka Story
A shasklik or tikka is essentially a skewered kebab. Usually made with meat, this version with paneer works well too. I wanted small bite sized skewers, so I used toothpicks for this. They worked very well. Just the perfect accompaniment for the loads of limeade we enjoyed this weekend. The skewers are great as a snack, they are perfect over rice or with a salad as a longer meal.
I was good and visited the gym on Saturday, and then succumbed to the heat on Sunday. Ate and slept and watched a couple of versions of Pride and Prejudice. Amazing how many twists there are on the old favorite. I guess, it is a foodie version of the ever popular butter chicken.
More About the Paneer Tikka Story
In making this recipe, I played around a little bit with the marinade. The flavors are very basic and uncomplicated. The bell peppers and onions add a nice touch to the mix. I did marinate the mixture overnight, mostly because I mixed things the night before. The actually cooking took less than 15 minutes. The skewering actually is a lot of fun and takes about 10 minutes to make 15 to 20 of these skewers. Easy on the eye, I am happy to have another party ready appetizer that is done without blocking the main oven.
Other streamlined paneer recipes that can be made with tofu include easy Instant Pot Matar Paneer and Paneer Parathas.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group. Of course Instant Indian my Indian Instant Pot cookbook is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon very finely chopped mint (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 pound paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 small onion, cut into eights, layers separate
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
- 1 tablespoons chat masala
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, red cayenne pepper, mint (if using) and the salt and mix well.
- Add the paneer to the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Using toothpicks, skewer the paneer alternating with the pepper and onion. I did two pieces of paneer per skewer.
- Stir in the ingredients for the basting mixture.
- If air frying like me, arrange on the air fryer basket.
- Cook on 450 degrees for 8 minutes. Baste the paneer while cooking using the basting mixture and a pastry brush. Turn and and cook for 3 more minutes. Serve hot.