Paneer tikka

Paneer Tikka is a cherished Indian dish that features marinated chunks of paneer—a type of fresh Indian cheese—grilled to perfection in a tandoor. Think of it as the vegetarian counterpart to chicken tikka. The preparation begins with marinating the paneer in an aromatic blend of spices. The marinated cubes are then skewered alongside vibrant vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and grilled until they achieve a delightful char.

When served, Paneer Tikka is typically hot off the grill, garnished with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala for that extra zing. It is often paired with a fresh salad or a dollop of mint chutney, making for a mouthwatering appetizer or snack.

But the versatility of Paneer Tikka doesn't end there—it has inspired numerous variations. There's Paneer Tikka Masala, where the grilled paneer is served in a rich, spicy gravy. On the go, you might enjoy a Paneer Tikka Roll, in which the grilled mixture is wrapped in Indian bread. For a different twist, you might come across Paneer Tikka Kebabs or creative adaptations like Kashmiri Paneer Tikka stuffed with almonds, Paneer Tikka Masala Chow Mein, or a dosa filled with paneer tikka.

The popularity of Paneer Tikka has even caught the attention of international fast-food chains in India. Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Subway, and McDonald’s have all introduced their own paneer tikka options to cater to local tastes.

Commercially, Paneer Tikka has made its mark as well. ITC's Bingo offers paneer tikka-flavored chips, Nestlé’s Maggi has a ready-to-cook paneer tikka variant, and various companies sell spice mixes and ready-to-eat versions of this beloved dish.