Grilled Pesto Paneer Recipe
Fusion Cuisine | Appetizer | Vegetarian
Elevate your appetizer game with this delightful Grilled Pesto Paneer, a fusion dish that combines the creamy texture of paneer with the aromatic freshness of pesto. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also an attractive addition to any party or gathering. Perfectly marinated and grilled, it pairs wonderfully with other appetizers like Sichuan Style Chilli Potato and Paprika Chicken Skewers. Here’s how you can recreate this irresistible starter at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams, cut into cubes |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 to 3 teaspoons (for grilling) |
| For the Pesto Sauce | |
| Basil leaves (tightly packed) | 1 cup |
| Walnuts | 7 to 8 nuts |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- Start by making the pesto sauce. In a mixer grinder, blend together basil leaves, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth, fine paste. Once blended, set the pesto aside.
-
Marinate the Paneer:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the paneer cubes and combine them with the hung curd (Greek yogurt) and about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the prepared pesto sauce.
- Massage the mixture gently into the paneer cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb all the flavors.
-
Grill the Paneer:
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Brush the pan lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
- Carefully place the marinated paneer cubes onto the grill pan. Alternatively, you can thread the cubes onto a skewer and grill them this way for a more dramatic presentation.
- Grill the paneer for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until it is nicely browned and slightly crisp.
- Flip the cubes over, brush them with a little more olive oil, and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden and well done.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the paneer is perfectly grilled, remove it from the pan and serve immediately as a delicious appetizer.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a drizzle of extra pesto sauce or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pair your Grilled Pesto Paneer with other flavorful starters like Sichuan Style Chilli Potato and Paprika Chicken Skewers for an unforgettable meal.
Tips:
- You can prepare the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the pesto sauce while blending.
This Grilled Pesto Paneer recipe is an ideal blend of Indian and Italian flavors, making it an exciting fusion dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more!
