Hariyali Paneer Tikka Recipe
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the aromatic kitchens of Punjab, the delectable aroma of ‘Hariyali Paneer Tikka’ wafts through the air, beckoning all to indulge in its luscious taste. As a housewife and food critic, every time I grill this dish, memories of family gatherings and festive occasions come flooding back. The vibrant green hue, the smoky undertones, and the soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture of the paneer make it a culinary masterpiece that’s hard to resist.
What is Hariyali Paneer Tikka?
Hariyali Paneer Tikka is a quintessential Indian appetizer that graces the menus of many restaurants and households alike. The term ‘Hariyali’ translates to ‘greenery’, aptly describing the fresh, verdant marinade that the paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is bathed in. Made from a blend of mint, coriander, and a medley of spices, the marinade infuses the paneer with a distinct, herbaceous flavor. Grilled to perfection, the paneer emerges charred and smoky, with a soft, creamy interior.
Hariyali Paneer Tikka is a delightful confluence of taste, aroma, and health. It’s a dish that, once tried, becomes a staple for every occasion. Whether served as an appetizer at parties or as a main course with some naan, its popularity is undeniable. As a food critic, it checks all the boxes: flavor, texture, aroma, and presentation.
Variations
While the traditional Hariyali Paneer Tikka recipe calls for a specific set of ingredients, regional and personal variations abound:
- Achari Twist: Some chefs enjoy adding a dollop of Indian pickle or ‘achar’ paste to the marinade, giving the paneer a tangy kick.
- Creamy Decadence: To make the paneer tikka richer, a touch of fresh cream can be added to the marinade, ensuring a velvety finish.
- Tofu Take: For those who don’t consume dairy or want a vegan option, tofu can be an excellent substitute for paneer.
- Baked Not Grilled: For those without a grill, the tikka can be baked in an oven, still achieving a similar charred appearance.
Nutritional Benefits
Hariyali Paneer Tikka isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also packed with nutritional goodness:
- Rich in Protein: Paneer is a primary source of vegetarian protein, crucial for muscle-building and overall health.
- Low in Carbs: This dish is low-carb, making it suitable for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
- Herbal Goodness: Mint and coriander are not only flavor enhancers but also come with a host of health benefits. Mint aids digestion, while coriander has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Healthy Fats: Mustard oil, commonly used in the marinade, contains omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
Step by Step Hariyali Paneer Tikka Recipe
Hariyali Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 grams paneer / cottage cheese Indian cottage cheese, cubed
- 1 cup coriander leaves / cilantro cilantro, tightly packed
- 1/2 cup mint leaves tightly packed
- 1 to 2 green chillies roughly chopped
- 1/2 inch Ginger roughly chopped
- 2 to 3 garlic roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp yogurt / dahi / curd dahi or curd, thick and whisked
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder jeera powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder dhania powder
- 1/2 tsp Chaat masala
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tbsp Oil
- black salt / rock salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the coriander and mint leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Drain the excess water.
- In a grinder or blender, add the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Blend to a smooth paste without adding any water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the above paste with whisked yogurt.
- Add garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and mustard oil to the bowl and mix well.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 45 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat.
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until you see a charred appearance on the paneer.
- Alternatively, if using an oven, bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes or until the paneer pieces become golden.
- Once cooked, remove the paneer pieces from the skewers and sprinkle with some green coriander chutney or chaat masala before serving.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Skewers
Notes & Tips
- It's essential to use fresh and thick yogurt for this recipe to ensure the marinade adheres well to the paneer.
- If you don't have mustard oil, you can use any other vegetable oil.
- Adjust the green chilies based on your heat preference. The spiciness can be toned down or up as per your liking.
- Marinating the paneer for longer will yield a richer flavor. If you have time, an overnight marination is ideal.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Hariyali Paneer Tikka Recipe
What makes the Hariyali Paneer Tikka’s green marinade unique?
The ‘Hariyali’ in Hariyali Paneer Tikka refers to the verdant, green marinade crafted from a blend of fresh mint, coriander, and other spices. This marinade not only provides the dish its signature color but also infuses the paneer with a distinct, herbaceous flavor, characteristic of many North Indian dishes.
Is there a vegan alternative to paneer in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re aiming for a vegan version, tofu makes an excellent substitute for paneer. Its texture is quite similar, and it soaks up the green marinade beautifully, ensuring you don’t miss out on the authentic flavors.
I don’t have a grill; can I still make Hariyali Paneer Tikka?
Certainly. While grilling gives the paneer those lovely charred edges, you can also bake it in an oven. Baking might not provide the exact smoky flavor as grilling, but it will get you close, especially if you broil it for the last few minutes.
How does this dish fare in terms of nutrition?
Hariyali Paneer Tikka is quite nutritious. Paneer is a great source of vegetarian protein. Moreover, the dish is low-carb. The mint and coriander, besides being flavor enhancers, have health benefits like aiding digestion and offering anti-inflammatory properties, respectively.
Can I use any other oil instead of mustard oil?
Traditionally, mustard oil is used due to its pungent flavor that complements the dish. However, if you don’t have mustard oil or prefer a milder taste, you can use olive oil or any other vegetable oil of your choice.
What sides go best with Hariyali Paneer Tikka?
Hariyali Paneer Tikka can be paired with a variety of sides. Green chutney, made from mint and coriander, is a classic accompaniment. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with Indian bread like naan or roti and even a side of vegetable pulao.
Are there other ‘tikka’ recipes similar to this?
Yes, ‘tikka’ is a style of cooking where ingredients are marinated and grilled. Besides Hariyali Paneer Tikka, you can try variations like ‘Achari Paneer Tikka’ or meat-based tikkas like ‘Chicken Tikka’ or ‘Lamb Tikka’.
How long can I store the Hariyali marinade?
The Hariyali marinade can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Remember to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it, although I always recommend using it fresh for the best taste.
Also see:
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
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