Pineapple Paneer Tikka Recipe
An Exotic, Flavorful Starter to Impress Your Guests
Pineapple Paneer Tikka is an incredibly simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a casual brunch, a festive party, or a special family meal. This dish features the goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) combined with the juicy sweetness of pineapple and the aromatic spices that are typical of North Indian cuisine. Known by many names, including Malai Paneer Tikka, Hariyali Paneer Tikka, and Tandoori Paneer Tikka, this dish will certainly add a burst of flavor to your meal.
In this recipe, cubes of homemade paneer and pineapple chunks are marinated in a rich, spiced yogurt mixture, then grilled to perfection. The spices used give the dish an earthy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor profile that will leave your taste buds tingling. Serve it with some fresh tomato-onion-cucumber raita and warm jeera rice, or even a rich dal makhani, for a full-on Indian feast.
Ingredients for Pineapple Paneer Tikka Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 300 grams, cut into 1½ inch cubes |
| Pineapple | 1, cut into triangles |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, cut into triangles |
| Oil | For tossing and grilling |
For the Marinade:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, ground into a paste |
| Ginger | 1 inch, ground into a paste |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon, roasted and ground into powder |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | ½ teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ¾ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marination time)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hung curd (Greek yogurt) and gram flour (besan) to form a smooth paste. This will help bind the marinade and give it a creamy texture.
- Using a pestle and mortar, pound the ginger, garlic, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) together to make a coarse paste.
- Add the roasted ground fennel seeds and ajwain (carom seeds) to this mixture and pound again until everything is well blended.
- Now, add this aromatic spice paste into the yogurt mixture. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, black salt, and regular salt. Mix everything together until the marinade is smooth and well-combined.
-
Marinate the Paneer, Pineapple, and Bell Peppers:
- In a separate bowl, combine the paneer cubes, pineapple triangles, and red bell pepper slices.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the paneer, pineapple, and bell peppers. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld. For an even deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Skewer the Paneer, Pineapple, and Bell Peppers:
- After the marination, take your skewers and start assembling them. Alternate between threading the marinated paneer cubes, pineapple pieces, and bell pepper slices onto the skewers. Continue until each skewer is filled, making sure the ingredients are snugly placed.
-
Grill the Tikka:
- Preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill pan and drizzle some of the remaining marinade on top of the paneer and vegetables.
- Let the skewers cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until you see grill marks and the paneer develops a slight char. To enhance the smoky flavor, you can place a spoonful of ghee or oil on the grill pan and cover the pan briefly to allow the dish to absorb a smoky aroma.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Grill for at least 10 minutes, or until the paneer is golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
-
Serve:
- Once the Pineapple Paneer Tikka is perfectly grilled, remove the skewers from the pan and serve immediately.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lime juice, and serve with a side of Jeera Rice, Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, and Smoked Dal Makhani Dhaba Style for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Tips & Variations:
- Paneer Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of paneer, you can easily substitute it with tofu for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Flavor Variation: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or orange zest to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and black pepper powder to suit your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of green chili paste for extra spice.
- Grilling Method: While this recipe uses a grill pan, you can also cook the skewers in an oven or on a barbecue for an authentic smoky flavor.
Conclusion:
Pineapple Paneer Tikka is a fantastic appetizer that brings together the delicate flavors of paneer, the sweetness of pineapple, and a blend of traditional Indian spices. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is sure to impress. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it makes for a perfect starter for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and smoky goodness of this North Indian favorite, and let the deliciousness of Pineapple Paneer Tikka take center stage at your next meal!
