Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish made with chunks of paneer (a type
of fresh, unsalted cheese made by curdling milk with a fruit-derived
acid) marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled or baked.
The marinade typically includes spices such as cumin, coriander, garam
masala, and turmeric, as well as ginger and garlic paste, and lemon
juice. The marinated paneer is then skewered and grilled until golden
brown and slightly charred on the outside. Paneer tikka can be served as
an appetizer or a main dish and is often accompanied by chutney or
mint yogurt sauce.
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Paneer Tikka For garnish:
- Onion rings
- Lemon wedges
- Coriander leaves
Paneer Tikka Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, oil, and salt to taste. Stir until well combined.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and mix gently, making sure that each paneer cube is coated well. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C. Grease a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve any leftover marinade for basting.
- Bake the paneer skewers for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and slightly charred at the edges.
- Brush the leftover marinade over the paneer skewers and grill them for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the paneer skewers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, and coriander leaves, and serve hot with mint yogurt sauce or any chutney of your choice.
paneer tikka benefits
Paneer tikka, like any other food, has its benefits and potential drawbacks. Here are some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of consuming paneer tikka:
Benefits:
- Paneer is a rich source of protein and calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones and muscles.
- The spices used in the marinade, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress in the body.
- The dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a good option for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet.
paneer tikka Potential Drawbacks:
- Paneer tikka is typically cooked using oil, which adds extra calories and fat to the dish. Consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- The dish is often served with chutney or other sauces that can be high in sugar and sodium, which can be harmful to health when consumed in excess.
- Some people may be allergic or intolerant to dairy products, including paneer. Consuming paneer can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in such individuals.
Overall, paneer tikka can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan. It is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose lower-calorie and lower-sodium condiments to accompany the dish.
READ MORE
FAQ.
Q. Is paneer tikka good for health?
ANS. Paneer tikka can be a healthy food option when consumed in moderation
and as part of a balanced meal plan due to its high protein and calcium
content, and the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
of the spices used in the marinade. However, it can also be high in
calories and fat due to the oil used in cooking, and the sauces served
with it can be high in sugar and sodium. Therefore, it's important to be
mindful of portion sizes and to choose lower-calorie and lower-sodium
condiments to accompany the dish.
Q. Why is paneer tikka called tikka?
ANS. Paneer tikka is called "tikka" because the word "tikka" refers to small
pieces of meat or vegetables that are marinated in spices and then
grilled or roasted. In the case of paneer tikka, the small pieces of
paneer cheese are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled,
making it a form of tikka.
Q. Can we eat paneer tikka during weight loss?
ANS. Yes, paneer tikka can be consumed during weight loss as long as it is
consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Paneer is a good
source of protein and can help keep you feeling full for longer, which
can be beneficial for weight loss. However, it is important to be
mindful of the calorie and fat content of the dish, as well as the
portion sizes, and to choose lower calorie and lower sodium condiments
to accompany the dish.
Q. Is it OK to eat paneer daily?
ANS. Yes, it is generally okay to eat paneer daily, as long as it is consumed
in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Paneer is a good source
of protein and calcium and can be a healthy addition to a vegetarian or
low-carb diet. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential
drawbacks of consuming too much paneer, such as the added calories and
fat from cooking with oil, and the risk of digestive issues for those
who are allergic or intolerant to dairy products.
Q. Is paneer harmful or not?
ANS. Paneer is not harmful when consumed in moderation and as part of a
balanced diet. It is a rich source of protein and calcium and can
provide several health benefits. However, excessive consumption of
paneer or any food can have potential drawbacks, and individuals who are
allergic or intolerant to dairy products should avoid paneer.
Q. Is tikka Indian or Pakistani?
ANS. Tikka is a popular dish in both Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is enjoyed in various forms and variations in both countries.
Q. Who invented paneer?
ANS. The exact origins of paneer are unclear and there is no definitive
answer as to who invented it. However, paneer has been a staple in
Indian cuisine for thousands of years and is believed to have been
developed in the Indian subcontinent.
Q. What are the ingredients of Panner?
ANS. Paneer is a type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk with a
fruit-derived acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. The basic ingredients
of paneer are milk and a coagulating agent such as lemon juice or
vinegar.
Q. What is the difference between paneer tikka and paneer masala?
ANS. Paneer tikka is a grilled or baked dish made with marinated chunks of
paneer, while paneer masala is a curry dish made with paneer cooked in a
tomato-based gravy with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam
masala. Paneer tikka is often served as an appetizer or snack, while
paneer masala is a main dish that is typically served with rice or naan.
Q. Is paneer masala the same as tikka masala?
ANS. No, paneer masala and tikka masala are not the same. Paneer masala is a
dish made with paneer and spiced tomato-based gravy, while tikka
masala is a dish made with grilled or baked marinated chicken in a
spiced tomato-based gravy. However, both dishes are popular in Indian
cuisine and may share some common ingredients and spices.
Q. What is Achari paneer made of?
ANS. Achari paneer is an Indian dish made of paneer (a type of fresh cheese),
cooked in a spiced gravy that contains a mix of pickling spices called
"achaar" in Hindi. These spices typically include mustard seeds, fennel
seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and nigella seeds, along with other
ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and chili powder. The dish may also
contain onion, tomato, and yogurt to give it a creamy texture.
