Paneer Cafreal Skewers
Cubes of soft paneer marinated in a vibrant, spicy, and tangy Goan green masala. These skewers are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that's simply irresistible. A perfect vegetarian appetizer for any party!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cafreal Masala
- b.Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves. In a high-speed blender, combine the washed leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, white vinegar, sugar, and salt to the blender.
- d.Blend to a smooth, thick paste, similar to a chutney. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water only if necessary to help the blades move.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the paneer cubes, red capsicum cubes, and onion petals.
- c.Pour the freshly prepared Cafreal masala over the paneer and vegetables.
- d.Gently mix with a spatula or your hands until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Skewers
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak about 12 of them in water for at least 20-30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- c.Once marinated, carefully thread the paneer, capsicum, and onion pieces alternately onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Skewers
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the pan is hot, place the skewers on it, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- d.Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes, until all sides are golden brown with slight char marks and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Remove the cooked skewers from the pan and arrange them on a serving platter.
- c.Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers just before serving for a final burst of freshness.
- d.Serve immediately as an appetizer with a side of mint chutney or sliced onions.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, soft paneer for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture. If your paneer is hard, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes before cubing.
- 2Soaking wooden skewers is a crucial step to prevent them from catching fire on the hot pan or grill.
- 3Do not marinate the paneer for more than 2 hours, as the vinegar can start to break down its texture, making it crumbly.
- 4For an authentic smoky 'tandoori' flavor, use the 'dhungar' method: place a small steel bowl with a piece of hot charcoal in the center of the marinating paneer, drizzle a little ghee on it, and immediately cover the bowl for 2-3 minutes.
- 5Ensure your pan is sufficiently hot before placing the skewers. This helps to create a beautiful sear and prevents the paneer from sticking.
- 6These skewers can also be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan-Friendly
Replace paneer with an equal amount of firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water before marinating.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other grilling vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added color, flavor, and nutrients.
Non VegetarianNon-Vegetarian
Use 400g of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Increase the marination time to at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality vegetarian protein, which is crucial for muscle building, tissue repair, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
The vibrant green masala is loaded with fresh coriander and mint, both of which are rich in antioxidants that help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Aids Digestion
The spices used in the marinade, such as ginger, cumin, and black peppercorns, are well-known for their digestive properties, helping to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut health.
Good Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, paneer provides a significant amount of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which is approximately 3 skewers, contains around 390-420 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact size of the paneer cubes and the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.