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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I remember the first time I tried paneer tikka. It was at a small family gathering, and I was immediately hooked by the creamy texture of the paneer and the burst of flavors from the spices. Since then, I've tried countless variations, but this Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka is definitely one of my favorites. The smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible! My friend, Sarah, who normally shies away from spicy food, devoured these! Even my kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, couldn't get enough. It's a dish that truly brings people together. One time i even forgot to add salt and still tasted great!
What makes this recipe special? It's all about the balance of flavors. The smoky paprika, the tangy yogurt, the warmth of the ginger and garlic – they all come together to create a taste sensation that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your mouth watering. You might be thinking, 'Smoked paprika in paneer tikka? Is that even authentic?' Well, let me tell you, while it might not be a traditional ingredient, it elevates the dish to a whole new level. It’s like giving a classic a modern, smoky makeover!
And let's not forget the versatility! You can serve this Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a main course. Pair it with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It's perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. I've even used it as a filling for wraps and sandwiches – talk about a flavor explosion! Once, I added a dash of maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness. It was surprisingly delicious! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and adjust the flavors to your liking. And don't worry if you don't have a grill; you can easily bake these in the oven. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen and creating something you love. The most importat thing is to have fun!
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or Oven
- Skewers (optional)
- Baking Sheet (if baking)
Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka: A Flavorful Indian Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka: A Flavorful Indian Delight
Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka offers a delightful twist on the classic Indian appetizer. Cubes of paneer cheese are marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt, spices, and the star ingredient—smoked paprika—then grilled or baked to smoky perfection.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients ready before you start. This includes paneer, yogurt, smoked paprika, ginger-garlic paste, and other spices.
- Prepare the paneer: Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the cubes are uniform in size for even marination and cooking. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture; this helps the marinade adhere better.
- Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, smoked paprika, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Whisk well until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture. Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a pinch more garam masala adds warmth.
- Marinate the paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade. Gently toss them to ensure they are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the paneer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the paneer marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Preheat your grill or oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the grill grates or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Thread the paneer onto skewers: If using skewers, thread the marinated paneer cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each cube for even cooking. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Grill or bake the paneer: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or baking sheet. For grilling, cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is lightly charred and heated through. For baking, bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the paneer is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Optional smoking (if applicable): For an even smokier flavor, you can add a few wood chips to your grill or oven. If using a gas grill, place the wood chips in a smoker box or aluminum foil packet and place it directly on the burners. If using an oven, place the wood chips in an oven-safe dish and place it on the bottom rack. Be careful not to over-smoke, as it can make the paneer taste bitter.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the paneer tikka from the grill or oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with mint chutney or raita for dipping.
- Enjoy!: Your Smoked Paprika Paneer Tikka is now ready to be savored. Share it with friends and family, or enjoy it as a flavorful and satisfying snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your spice preference.
- Marinating the paneer overnight will result in a more flavorful tikka.
- If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika with a drop of liquid smoke (optional).
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 300 mg
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