Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe
Achari Paneer Tikka is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer hailing from North India, where “Achari” translates to “pickle,” and this dish lives up to its name. It’s a perfect fusion of pickled spices and soft, succulent paneer, marinated in a tangy mix of spices and yogurt. The dish is then grilled or baked to perfection, giving it a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with fresh coriander-mint chutney. Achari Paneer Tikka is often served as a starter at parties and celebrations, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: North Indian
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Achari Paneer Tikka
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 250 grams |
| Capsicum (green, chopped) | 2 |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curd (yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Nigella seeds (kalonji) | 1 teaspoon |
| Celery seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fenugreek seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dried red chilies | 4 |
| Lemon juice | Juice of 1 lemon |
| Oil | As required |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Fat | 16 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Instructions for Making Achari Paneer Tikka
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Prepare the Spice Mix:
- To start making your Achari Paneer Tikka, gather your dry spices. In a pan, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, celery seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies. Dry roast these spices over medium heat until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Once roasted, remove the pan from heat and let the spices cool. Once cool, transfer them to a mixer grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Set this spice powder aside for later use.
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Prepare the Ginger-Garlic Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle, crush garlic and ginger together to form a smooth paste. This will be used to flavor the marination.
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Marinate the Paneer:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine curd, the freshly ground spice mix, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add the prepared ginger-garlic paste and mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform marinade.
- Next, add the paneer cubes and chopped capsicum to the marinade, ensuring that the pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the paneer and capsicum.
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Soak the Skewers:
- While the paneer is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during the grilling process.
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Prepare for Grilling:
- After marination, preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature. Thread the marinated paneer cubes and capsicum pieces onto the soaked skewers. Brush each piece lightly with oil to prevent sticking and to promote a golden char when grilled.
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Grill the Tikka:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred on all sides. You can also use an oven or air fryer for this step. If grilling in an oven, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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Serving:
- Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and serve the Achari Paneer Tikka hot. Pair it with a tangy coriander-mint chutney or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Best Achari Paneer Tikka:
- Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes. If possible, marinate it for a few hours to allow the spices to fully penetrate the paneer.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the quantity of red chili powder and dried red chilies. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste.
- Grilling Method: If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the marinated paneer in a non-stick pan or in the oven. Just be sure to cook on high heat to achieve the crispy edges and smoky flavor.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety. These can also be marinated and grilled along with the paneer.
Why You’ll Love This Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe:
- High Protein, Vegetarian: This dish is packed with protein from the paneer, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians looking to enjoy a high-protein meal.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The Achari (pickle-inspired) masala brings a tangy and spicy twist that elevates the paneer to a whole new level.
- Perfect for Parties: Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a grand celebration, Achari Paneer Tikka is sure to be a hit as a starter or snack.
- Healthy: Made with minimal oil and packed with spices, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy a light and healthy treat without compromising on taste.
Enjoy your Achari Paneer Tikka with friends and family as a delectable appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Keywords: Achari Paneer Tikka, North Indian appetizers, vegetarian tikka recipe, high protein vegetarian recipes, grilled paneer, party starters, tangy paneer, flavorful appetizers, vegetarian barbecue recipes.
