Introduction

Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes grilled to perfection. To give this beloved dish a nutritious twist, we’ve incorporated millet into the marinade, making it even healthier and more wholesome. Millets are ancient grains known for their high nutrient content, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Combining millet with paneer not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delicious snack, Millet Paneer Tikka is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup millet flour (any millet of your choice: ragi, bajra, jowar, etc.)
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 onion, cut into squares
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers

Instructions

1. Preparing the Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, combine the thick yogurt, millet flour, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Marinating the Paneer and Vegetables:
   • Add the paneer cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion squares to the marinade. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the marinade.
   • Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. For best results, marinate overnight.
3. Preparing the Skewers:
   • Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onions alternately onto the skewers.
4. Grilling the Tikka:
   • Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a grill rack.
   • Brush the tikka with a little oil.
   • Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are cooked and have a nice char. You can also do this on a stovetop grill pan.
5. Serving:
   • Once done, remove the skewers from the grill/oven.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney on the side.

Tips

• Millet Flour: You can use any millet flour of your choice. Ragi, bajra, or jowar flour works well in this recipe.
• Marination: Marinating the paneer and vegetables overnight enhances the flavors. Ensure the marinade is thick to coat the paneer and veggies well.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill or oven, you can also cook the tikka on a stovetop using a grill pan or a regular non-stick pan.

Enjoy your Millet Paneer Tikka as a healthy and tasty appetizer that combines the goodness of millets with the richness of paneer, making it a perfect snack for any occasion!