Paneer Hariyali Tikka
Cubes of soft paneer marinated in a vibrant green paste of fresh cilantro, mint, and spices, then grilled to perfection. A smoky, flavorful appetizer that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Hariyali Marinade
- b.In a small, dry pan over low heat, roast the besan (gram flour) for 2-3 minutes until it releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Set aside to cool completely.
- c.In a blender, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Blend to a smooth, thick paste. Add a teaspoon of water only if absolutely necessary to get the blades moving.
- d.In a large mixing bowl, whisk the hung curd until it's smooth and creamy. Add the green paste, cooled roasted besan, chaat masala, garam masala, cumin powder, black salt, salt, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform, thick marinade.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Paneer and Vegetables
- b.Add the paneer cubes, onion petals, and capsicum cubes to the marinade.
- c.Using your hands or a spatula, gently coat all the ingredients with the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly covered, but be careful not to break the paneer.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Skewers
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- c.Thread the marinated ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between paneer, onion, and capsicum to create a colorful pattern.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Tikka
- b.Heat a grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the pan with 1 tablespoon of oil.
- c.Carefully place the skewers on the hot pan, leaving some space between them. 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. Baste with the remaining oil during the last few minutes of cooking.
- e.Alternatively, preheat an oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Once cooked, remove the skewers from the pan. Sprinkle with a little extra chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- c.Serve immediately with mint chutney and sliced onions.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest marinade, use thick, hung curd. To make hung curd, place regular yogurt in a muslin cloth and hang it for 1-2 hours to drain excess whey.
- 2Do not overcook the paneer, as it can become chewy and hard. Cook just until it's heated through and has nice char marks.
- 3For a restaurant-style smoky flavor (dhungar method), place the marinated paneer in a large bowl. Put a small steel cup in the center, add a piece of red-hot charcoal, pour a few drops of ghee on it, and immediately cover the bowl for 5 minutes.
- 4Ensure the green paste is thick. Excess water will make the marinade runny and it won't coat the paneer well.
- 5Use fresh, soft paneer for the best texture. Stale paneer can be crumbly and dry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute paneer with firm tofu (pressed to remove water) and use a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) instead of curd.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers of different colors for more flavor and nutrition.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the skewers in the basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Nutty TwistNutty Twist
Add 1-2 tablespoons of cashews or almonds while blending the green paste for a richer, creamier marinade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Paneer is a high-quality vegetarian protein source, crucial for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
Rich in calcium and phosphorus, paneer helps in the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
Rich in Antioxidants
The 'hariyali' (green) paste made from fresh coriander and mint is loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of curd (yogurt) in the marinade provides beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Paneer Hariyali Tikka contains approximately 350-380 calories, depending on the type of paneer (full-fat vs. low-fat) and the amount of oil used.