Makhmali Paneer Tikka

Hello Foodies,

         This Makhmali Paneer Tikka is my family's favorite appetizer, and it has a very smooth texture and a smokey flavor. They are made with fresh and soft cottage cheese(paneer), some veggies, spices, and yogurt. The paneer and veggies flavored with mild Indian spices and cooked over a pan (traditionally this tikka cook on tandoor or charcoal grill). You can never go wrong with these tasty yet straightforward makhmali paneer tikka. Served with Green/Pudina Chutney. This tikka will delight your taste buds, and I am damn sure that these makhmali paneer tikkas will make your appetite satisfy. You can also wrap them with the tortilla or with chapati and eat as tacos or as veg. frankie too. Don't that sounds yummy? When I am in a hurry, I always make some Frankie's with this marinated cottage cheese. 

What is Makhmali Paneer Tikka

Makhmali means velvety/soft like malai.

Paneer Tikka means, cubes of paneer(cottage cheese), are marinated in yogurt and Indian spices and are then arranged on a skewer with capsicums and onions. These skewers are grilled in a tandoor, or baked in an oven or cooked over the stovetop, and the dish is after that seasoned with lemon juice and chaat masala and served with green chutney.

The paneer, though tender, has a crisp singe on the surface. So let's get started!

YouTube Video:

Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 Minutes.

Marinate for 15 Minutes.

Ingredients : 

• Paneer cubes 2 cups 
• Red pepper ½ cup, sliced
• Red onion ½ cup, sliced
• Yogurt (Dahi) 1 cup
• Green chili paste 1 Tsp 
• Cashew nuts powder 2 tbsp
• Garam Masala ½ Tsp
• Chaat Masala 1 Tsp
• Salt 1 Tsp
• Veg.oil 2 Tsp

Instructions:

To Marinate Paneer: 

• In a bowl add yogurt, garam masala, chaat masala green chilies paste, cashews powder, salt, and mix well.
• Now add paneer cubes, red pepper, and onion cubes and toss gently till the marinade coats the paneer cubes and veggies evenly from all the sides.
• Cover and keep aside for 15 minutes.

To Cook Makhmali Paneer Tikka on Stovetop:

• Heat a nonstick pan and grease with oil. 
• Cook the paneer cubes and veggies till all the moisture evaporates, and the paneer and vegetables are cooked on both sides. 
• You will have to sprinkle oil in between to make sure the tikka gets golden brown on both sides.
• Here, delightful, tempting Makhmali Paneer Tikka is ready to serve, skewer the tikkas(cooked paneer and veggies) and all ready to slurp.
• Sprinkle some chaat masala and few drops of lemon juice and serve with tomato sauce or green chutney. Enjoy!!!

To Bake Makhmali Paneer Tikka:

• Preheat oven at 400 F and line baking tray with aluminum foil and spread some oil.
• Now, place paneer cubes and veggies on the baking tray lined with aluminum foil, spread a few drops of oil.
• Bake at preheated oven at for 15 minutes or till the paneer cooked well.
• Sprinkle some chaat masala and few drops of lemon juice and serve with green chutney. Enjoy!!!

Dietary Comment :

• The calorie count is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
• Per serving contains 182 calories, along with 12.5 g carbohydrates, 8.7 g fats, and 110g protein.
• Portion size can always be increased or decreased depending on your health goals and activity level. 

Health Benefits of Makhmali Paneer Tikka:

• Rich in protein: ideal for vegetarians.
• Low in carbs and high in protein.
• Strengthens Bones: Rich in calcium, which helps in building strong bones for children and maintaining them for adults.
• Rich source of B complex vitamins:
• Improves digestion.
• Best food for pregnant women: a good source for pregnant women as they need lots of calcium and phosphorus to support bone development.

If you try making this Makhmali Paneer Tikka, tell me which method(Stovetop, Oven or grill) did you use in the comments below!

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Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!