Recipe - Hariyali Paneer Tikka

Picture yourself in your kitchen, preparing this delightful appetizer. The anticipation builds as you blend fresh coriander and mint leaves, the fragrance filling the air and transporting you to the bustling streets of India. The excitement mounts as you marinate the paneer, each cube absorbing the rich, green marinade, ready to burst with flavor.

Hariyali Paneer Tikka isn't just food; it's a celebration of taste and tradition, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a lively party or sharing a cozy family dinner, this dish brings people together, creating moments of joy and connection.

So, let's dive into this world of flavors and create something truly exquisite. Get ready to be captivated, to savor every bite, and to make memories around the table with this irresistible Hariyali Paneer Tikka. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
1 cup fresh coriander leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil (or any other oil)

For the Skewers:

1 onion, cut into chunks
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 tomato, cut into chunks
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Method

- In a blender, combine fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, and plain yogurt. Blend until you get a smooth green paste.

- Transfer the paste to a bowl and add gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and mustard oil. Mix well to form a thick, smooth marinade.

- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

- Cover the bowl and let the paneer marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-3 hours.

- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).

- Thread the marinated paneer cubes, along with chunks of onion, bell pepper, and tomato, onto the skewers, alternating between the paneer and vegetables.

- Place the skewers on a grill rack or baking tray lined with foil.

- Grill in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are cooked and slightly charred at the edges.

- If using a grill, cook on medium heat, turning the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking.

- Once done, remove the skewers from the grill or oven.

- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.

- Serve hot with mint chutney and a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges.