Paneer Shashlik Recipe (Indian Grilled Paneer Skewers)
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Paneer Shashlik is a popular vegetarian dish, perfect for a delightful lunch or dinner, with a blend of flavors from grilled paneer, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is not only high in protein but also bursting with taste, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy both a light and satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed recipe for preparing Paneer Shashlik that will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next family meal or get-together.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese), cubed | 500 grams |
| Green Bell Pepper (Shimla Mirch) | 1, cut into pieces |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Shimla Mirch) | 1, cut into pieces |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Tomatoes, pulp removed, chopped | 2 |
| Fresh Coriander (Hara Dhania), chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Cooking Oil | As needed |
| Pomegranate Seeds (Anardana) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 100 grams |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Chat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Corn Flour (Cornstarch) | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice (for serving) | As required |
| Onion, thinly sliced (for garnish) | 1 small |
| Cabbage, thinly sliced (for garnish) | A few leaves |
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
To begin making Paneer Shashlik, take a large bowl and combine all the marinade ingredients. This includes:
- Fresh cream, yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, lemon juice, pomegranate seeds, cumin powder, garam masala, chat masala, black pepper, salt, and a drizzle of oil.
Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth and flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Add the Paneer and Vegetables
Cut the paneer into cubes and add them to the marinade. Similarly, chop the bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes into chunks or pieces, and add them to the marinade mixture as well.
Ensure everything is well-coated with the marinade. Once all ingredients are mixed properly, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the paneer and vegetables.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
After the marination time, preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Allow it to heat up for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Skewers
While the oven is heating up, soak bamboo skewers in water for a few minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. Once ready, begin threading the marinated paneer cubes and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
Step 5: Grill the Paneer Shashlik
Place the prepared skewers on a grill tray. Drizzle a little oil over the skewer and the paneer-veggie mixture to prevent sticking and enhance the grilling process.
Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake the paneer shashlik for 6-7 minutes. Make sure to flip the skewers every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. You can also brush them with a little oil or melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the paneer and vegetables are cooked and slightly charred, remove them from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shashlik and sprinkle with a bit of chat masala for extra flavor.
For garnish, you can add thinly sliced onions and cabbage on the serving plate for a crunchy contrast. Serve the hot and aromatic Paneer Shashlik immediately with your choice of accompaniment, such as Dal Palak (spinach lentil curry) and Tawa Paratha (griddle-fried flatbread).
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Shashlik is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments:
- Dal Palak (Spinach Dal): A protein-packed, flavorful lentil curry that pairs wonderfully with the grilled flavors of the paneer.
- Tawa Paratha: Soft and slightly crispy flatbreads, ideal for scooping up the grilled paneer.
- Mint Yogurt Dip: A refreshing dip that complements the spiced grilled paneer perfectly.
Paneer Shashlik is an easy-to-make, deliciously spicy, and healthy dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet lunch, this recipe will bring everyone to the table. The combination of paneer, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices grilled to perfection makes for a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also rich in flavors.
