Savor the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Spicy Tandoori Paneer Skewers, a delightful Indian street food perfect for dinner. Marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions are grilled to perfection, offering a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes that will elevate your dining experience. (50 words)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet and Spicy Tandoori Paneer Skewers recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings the essence of Indian street food to your table. The marinade, infused with aromatic spices, yogurt, and a hint of honey, creates a perfect balance of flavors. The juicy paneer, paired with colorful veggies, chars beautifully on the grill, delivering a smoky, caramelized taste. It’s quick to prepare, versatile for vegetarians, and ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or love a touch of sweetness, this dish is sure to impress with its bold, authentic taste and vibrant presentation.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Marinate Longer: Let the paneer marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for deeper flavor absorption.
- Grill Marks: Use a hot grill or grill pan to achieve those appetizing char marks.
- Cut Evenly: Ensure paneer and veggies are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Baste with Marinade: Brush extra marinade on skewers while grilling for added flavor.
- Check Paneer: Use fresh, firm paneer to avoid crumbling during grilling.
- Indoor Option: No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler for similar results.
- Spice Control: Adjust chili powder to your preferred heat level.
Ingredients Notes
- Paneer: This Indian cottage cheese is the star, offering a creamy texture that holds up well on skewers. Opt for fresh or store-bought, but ensure it’s firm.
- Yogurt: Thick, plain yogurt forms the base of the marinade, tenderizing the paneer while adding tanginess.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the spice with subtle sweetness, creating a caramelized glaze when grilled.
- Tandoori Masala: This spice blend brings authentic flavor with notes of cumin, coriander, and paprika. Use store-bought or homemade.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: These add crunch, color, and sweetness, complementing the paneer. Choose vibrant, firm vegetables.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated or pasted, these add a pungent depth to the marinade.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and helps tenderize the paneer.
- Spices: Red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala enhance the heat and complexity of the dish.
Sweet and Spicy Tandoori Paneer Skewers
Sweet and Spicy Tandoori Paneer Skewers blend smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors for a vibrant Indian street food dinner.
Ingredients
- 400g paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt (thick)
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- 8 skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, tandoori masala, honey, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, vegetable oil, and salt. It should form a smooth, vibrant paste that smells divine!
- Marinate the Paneer: Add paneer cubes to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prep the Veggies: While the paneer marinates, chop the red and green bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces. They’ll add crunch and color to your skewers.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This step is a game-changer!
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions alternately onto the skewers. Aim for a colorful pattern—it’s as pretty as it is tasty!
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. You’re ready for some sizzling action!
- Grill the Skewers: Place skewers on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until paneer and veggies are lightly charred. Brush with extra marinade for extra flavor.
- Check Doneness: Ensure paneer is golden and veggies are tender but crisp. It should take about 10-15 minutes total.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle skewers with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
- Enjoy the Feast: Pair with naan, mint chutney, or a side salad for a complete street food experience. Dig in and savor the flavors!
Notes
- For an authentic street food vibe, serve with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney.
- If grilling indoors, open a window to let the smoky aroma waft through—it’s part of the experience!
- Adjust spice levels to suit your palate; this recipe is forgiving and customizable.
- Fresh paneer yields the best texture, but store-bought works well too.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per ServingCalories 496Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 72mgSodium 1092mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 3gSugar 15gProtein 23g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan option or chicken for a non-vegetarian twist.
- Veggie Alternatives: Try zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes instead of bell peppers for variety.
- Spice Blend: If tandoori masala is unavailable, mix cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Sweetness Adjust: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweet note.
- Yogurt Substitute: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free marinade with a slight tropical flavor.
- Grill-Free Cooking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, if you don’t have a grill.
- Spice Level: Reduce chili powder or use mild paprika for a less spicy version.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a grill or microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated, uncooked skewers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
- Marinade Storage: Extra marinade can be refrigerated for 2 days; use for another batch or as a dipping sauce.
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