Paneer Tikka

Paneer is an unripened fresh cheese that does not melt. When cooked it becomes soft and delicious. In our family we serve this dish at special occasions. You can find paneer at most Indian grocery stores as well as at some larger grocery retailers.

400 g paneer
1 tsp Jaswant’s Kitchen Curry Powder
½ tsp salt
Up to ½ tsp green Chilli (minced)
2 tsp ginger (minced or ground to a paste)
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp whipping cream
½ tsp Jaswant’s Kitchen Garam Masala
cilantro (for garnish)

Cut the paneer block in half lengthwise and then into ½ inch slices (should make about 20 pieces). In a bowl mix salt, Jaswant’s Kitchen Curry Powder and paneer. Coat the paneer pieces well by tossing. Add cream, lemon juice, green chili (to taste) and ginger. Mix well and keep aside for at least 30 minutes. Can be prepared one day ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to cook.

Heat oven at broil setting to 450°F. Cover a baking sheet with foil and grease lightly with oil or cooking spray. Skewer pieces of paneer on a metal skewer and place on greased sheet. Cook in the oven about six inches away from the element. Turn when pieces become slightly golden brown. Cook the other side until golden about 5-7 minutes, depending upon the efficiency of the oven.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Jaswant's Kitchen Garam Masala.

Serve in a platter with mint or tamarind chutney. Garnish with cilantro.

Makes 5-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 min (Marinate at least 30 min before cooking)
Cook Time: 12 min