Spicy Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe – Tangy and Smoky Grilled Delight

Achari Paneer Tikka Recipe

Achari Paneer Tikka is a popular North Indian appetizer known for its aromatic spices and smoky flavor. This dish combines the richness of paneer with tangy and pickling spices, creating a delightful treat for your taste buds. It’s a perfect starter for any occasion, served with a tangy mint-coriander chutney to elevate the experience.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• 10 minutes for marination preparation.

Cooking Time

• 40 minutes for grilling.

Total Time

• 50 minutes.

Servings

• This recipe serves approximately 3 people.

Cuisine

• North Indian

Course

• Appetizer

Diet

• High Protein, Vegetarian

Instructions

To prepare Achari Paneer Tikka, follow these simple steps for a flavorful, smoky appetizer:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • First, heat a small pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, kalonji (nigella seeds), carom seeds (ajwain), fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies. Roast them until they turn aromatic and lightly brown. Turn off the heat once done.
   • Allow the roasted spices to cool down, and then transfer them to a grinder. Grind them into a fine powder and set it aside.

2. Make Ginger-Garlic Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle (or a small blender), crush garlic cloves and ginger into a smooth paste. Set it aside.

3. Prepare the Marination:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala powder, red chili powder, salt, and the ground spice mix you made earlier. Add lemon juice for that extra tangy kick.
   • Add the cubed paneer and green bell peppers (shikmila mirch) into the bowl. Gently mix everything, ensuring the paneer and peppers are well-coated with the marinade.
   • Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

4. Prepare the Skewers:

   • While the paneer is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. After soaking, remove them from the water and dry them thoroughly.

5. Grill the Paneer:

   • Preheat your grill or a grilling pan. Thread the marinated paneer cubes and bell peppers onto the skewers, alternating between the two.
   • Brush some oil on the grill and place the skewers on it. Grill the paneer on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even grilling. You want the paneer to get a nice brown crust on all sides.

6. Serve:

   • Once the Achari Paneer Tikka is nicely charred and cooked through, remove it from the skewers and arrange it on a serving plate. Serve hot with a side of fresh coriander-mint chutney or your favorite dip.

Tips for the Perfect Achari Paneer Tikka:

• Roasting Spices: Roasting the spices before grinding them enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish. Ensure you do not over-roast them, as they may turn bitter.
• Paneer Texture: If you want a firmer texture, use chilled paneer or press it lightly to remove excess moisture before marinating.
• Alternative Grilling Method: If you do not have access to a grill, you can also cook the paneer on a stovetop in a heavy pan or use an oven for a similar smoky flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the level of red chili powder and dried red chilies based on your heat tolerance.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Achari Paneer Tikka is not just a flavorful appetizer but also a great choice for a high-protein, vegetarian dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a festive occasion, this dish is sure to impress.