Tandoori Paneer Skewers
Cubes of Indian cheese (paneer) and colorful vegetables marinated in a spicy yogurt mixture, then grilled or baked until tender and lightly charred. A flavorful and vegetarian Indian appetizer or light meal for two.
Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the juice from 1/2 lemon. Mix until completely smooth. Ginger-garlic paste is a common Indian aromatic base.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Using full-fat yogurt makes the marinade richer.
- •Whisking well ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
Marinate paneer and vegetables
Add the 10 ounces paneer cubes, 1/2 red bell pepper pieces, 1/2 green bell pepper pieces, and 1/2 medium onion pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss everything to ensure all the paneer and vegetables are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to soak into the paneer and vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Marinating longer, up to 2 hours, enhances the flavor.
- •Paneer is a type of fresh Indian cheese.
Assemble and cook skewers (Grill or Broil)
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or preheat your oven's broiler (the top heating element). Thread the marinated paneer cubes and vegetables onto 2-4 skewers, alternating them. Brush the assembled skewers lightly with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is lightly charred and the vegetables are tender-crisp (cooked but still a little firm). If broiling, place skewers on a baking sheet and broil for 5-8 minutes, turning once, until charred and cooked. Watch closely as broilers cook quickly. Tandoor is a type of clay oven often used in Indian cooking, and grilling or broiling mimics its high heat.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Tender-crisp means the vegetables are cooked but still have a slight bite.
- •Broil means to cook food directly under a high heat source.
Serve
Remove the Tandoori Paneer Skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with a side of mint chutney or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish.
- •Serve immediately to enjoy them hot and flavorful.
- Medium bowl (for marinade)
- Whisk
- Resealable bag or cover (for marinating)
- Grill or baking sheet (for broiling)
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- 💡For a deeper red color, you can add a tiny pinch of red food coloring to the marinade, a common practice in restaurants.
- 💡Ensure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- 💡These skewers are also delicious served as a filling for wraps or alongside rice.
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