Grilled Paneer Mint Salad with Pickled Onions & Pomegranates
Description:
The Grilled Paneer Mint Salad with Pickled Onions & Pomegranates is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Fresh and crispy iceberg lettuce forms the base, paired with tangy and crunchy pickled onions, sweet and juicy pomegranate pearls, and soft, grilled paneer. All of this is perfectly dressed with a zesty lemon dressing, seasoned with cumin, black pepper, and a hint of chaat masala. This salad is a true celebration of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 whole (roughly 200 grams) |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams (cut into small triangles) |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons (divided) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Pomegranate Fruit Kernels | 1/2 cup |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 2 sprigs, for garnish |
| Lemon wedges | For serving |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon, for sprinkling |
For Pickled Onions:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 medium, cut into roundels |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Salad Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pickled Onions:
- Begin by slicing the onions into thin roundels.
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced onions with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Set aside to allow the onions to pickle lightly for about 10 minutes.
-
Marinate the Paneer:
- Slice the paneer (homemade cottage cheese) into small triangle pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the paneer with salt, black pepper powder, cumin powder, and lemon juice.
- Gently mix everything to ensure that the paneer is well-coated with the marinade.
- Set the marinated paneer aside to rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Grill the Paneer:
- Heat a grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated paneer pieces in the pan, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Grill the paneer for about 2 minutes on each side until golden grill marks appear and the paneer is slightly crispy on the outside but soft inside.
- Remove the grilled paneer from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
-
Prepare the Salad Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, black pepper powder, cumin powder, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, and honey.
- Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined into a smooth dressing.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Tear the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a large serving plate.
- Scatter the pickled onions and pomegranate kernels over the lettuce for a burst of color and crunch.
- Add the grilled paneer triangles on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle a little chaat masala powder over the salad for an added tangy kick.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
Tips:
- For a Smoky Flavor: If you have access to a charcoal grill, grilling the paneer on it will impart a wonderful smoky flavor to the dish.
- Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the honey and lemon juice according to your preferred sweetness or tanginess level.
- Add More Crunch: For additional texture, you can add some roasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or almonds.
This Grilled Paneer Mint Salad with Pickled Onions & Pomegranates is an absolute treat for your taste buds, with the crispy lettuce, crunchy onions, juicy pomegranates, and smoky grilled paneer bringing together the perfect harmony of flavors. Itβs ideal as a starter for a continental meal or as a refreshing salad on a warm day. The tangy lemon dressing with a hint of cumin and black pepper ties all the elements together for a delightful culinary experience!
