Paneer Malai Tikka is a popular and delicious variant of tikka that is served in restaurants. This Malai Tikka is made with soft paneer cubes marinated in a base of hung curd, cream, spices and herbs.
In a bowl take 5 tablespoons hung curd or or greek yogurt or thick curd.
Whisk for a minute till smooth.
Then add ⅓ cup low fat cream and mix very well.
Add ginger-garlic paste and all the spice powders including salt.
You can also add 2 to 3 pinches of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenureek leaves).
Then add ½ teaspoon lemon juice. If you plan to fry the paneer cubes on tawa or pan, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons besan or rice flour to the marination.
Mix very well.
Add ⅓ cup onion squares, ⅓ cup capsicum squares and 250 grams paneer cubes.
Gently mix with a small silicon spatula or with a spoon. Take care not to break paneer cubes when mixing.
Cover and marinate for 30 minutes. If keeping longer for marination, then marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours.
making paneer malai tikka
Now thread the onion, capsicum and paneer cubes on bamboo skewers. Place the skewers on a pan which is lined and wrapped with aluminium foil. Rinse bamboo skewers with water before using them.
Before grilling, preheat oven at 240 degrees for 15 minutes.
Grill paneer malai tikka at 240 degrees celsius for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the grill mode if using an otg.
Once you see the top light browned remove and turn the skewers. Brush some oil if you want on the paneer, onion and capsicum cubes.
Keep back in the oven and continue to grill till the edges of a few paneer cubes or onions are charred a bit.
Serve paneer malai tikka hot or warm with a side of sliced onions, lemon wedges and mint-curd chutney.
Notes
This recipe is only meant for an oven. If you do plan to shallow fry then do not forget to add 2 to 3 tablespoons besan or rice flour in the marination.
Remember to use soft and tender paneer. If using packaged or frozen paneer then follow the instructions on the pack before using the paneer.
The grilling time will vary from oven to oven. So make a note of this point.