Homemade Paneer Malai Tikka - A Creamy Delight!

Homemade Paneer Malai Tikka - A Creamy Delight!

Ingredients:
To begin your Paneer Malai Tikka journey, gather the following ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cream
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or ghee
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Marination Process:

1. In a bowl, combine the hung curd, fresh cream, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using an oven, set it to the broil mode.

2. Skewer the marinated paneer cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each cube.

3. Place the skewers on the grill or on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil if using the oven.

4. Brush the paneer cubes with melted butter or ghee. This will help in achieving a beautiful golden color and prevent them from drying out.

5. Grill or bake the paneer skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they turn slightly charred and acquire a delightful smoky aroma.

6. Remove the skewers from the heat and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

7. Serve the Paneer Malai Tikka hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions:
Paneer Malai Tikka can be enjoyed on its own as a starter, or you can serve it with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for added flavor. It also pairs well with naan bread or roomali roti, making it a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or parties. Don't forget to serve it with a side of fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion:
Making Paneer Malai Tikka at home is not only a satisfying culinary experience but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the spice levels according to your taste preferences. With its creamy texture, smoky aroma, and tantalizing flavors, this homemade delicacy is sure to impress your family and friends. So, put on your chef's hat, gather the ingredients, and indulge in the magic of Paneer Malai Tikka from the comfort of your kitchen!