Tandoori Paneer Tikka in the Oven: A Delicious Vegetarian Delight
Tandoori Paneer Tikka is a popular North Indian appetizer enjoyed by many people around the world. This vegetarian dish features chunks of paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, that are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then cooked. Traditionally, it is grilled in a tandoor, which is a clay oven. However, you can easily make this tasty dish at home using just your oven.
Why Oven-Baked Tandoori Paneer Tikka?
The oven is an easy way to achieve a charred effect like a traditional tandoor. A simple trick can help you get the same smoky flavor. This method lets you enjoy a protein-rich dish with little oil, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt works best)
- 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan), roasted
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Vegetables (optional but recommended):
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into cubes
- 1 tomato, deseeded and cubed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt until it is smooth. Then, add the roasted gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices. Mix in the mustard oil for a smoky flavor. The marinade should be thick and well-blended.
Step 2: Marinate Paneer and Veggies
Gently add the paneer cubes along with the chopped onion, bell pepper, and tomato. Coat everything evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to stop them from burning.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Take the marinated paneer and vegetables and carefully slide them onto skewers, mixing them up to create an appealing mix of colors and textures. Prepare a baking tray by covering it with foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack to ensure that hot air can flow around them evenly while they cook.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. For a nice char, switch to broil mode (or use the top heating element) for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Optional: Smoke it!
To add a delicious smoky flavor to your tandoori-style dish, try the Dhungar method:
1. Take a small piece of charcoal and heat it until it’s glowing red.
2. Put the hot charcoal in a small bowl and place it in the center of your marinated paneer (cheese) mixture before baking.
3. Drizzle a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) or oil onto the charcoal, then quickly cover the bowl with a lid and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
4. This will give your tikka a wonderful smoky aroma!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Tandoori Paneer Tikka hot with:
Green chutney (coriander-mint dip)
Lemon wedges
Onion rings or salad
It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or even as a filling in wraps and rolls.
Conclusion:
Tandoori Paneer Tikka in the oven is a tasty and healthy vegetarian appetizer. You don’t need a grill or a tandoor to make it. This dish is high in protein, full of flavor, and looks great, making it perfect for gatherings or dinner. Once you learn this recipe, you can easily add your favorite vegetables or try different marinades.