As a traditional Indian appetizer, Paneer Tikka consists of juicy paneer pieces marinated in a savory spice mixture and grilled to perfection. This version of the recipe provides a healthier choice by employing an OTG oven rather than the traditional tandoor, ensuring that the genuine flavors remain intact.

Paneer tikka is a delectable Indian appetizer featuring succulent cubes of paneer marinated in a vibrant blend of aromatic spices and tangy yogurt. Traditionally grilled in a tandoor, the paneer emerges tender and smoky, with a delightful char on the outside.

This vegetarian delight is often accompanied by colorful bell peppers and onions, creating delightful flavors and textures. Paneer tikka is a popular choice for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed on its own, wrapped in a soft naan, or incorporated into various main courses.

About OTG Oven:

An OTG oven, which stands for oven, toaster, or griller, is a countertop appliance that offers a variety of cooking functions in a single unit. It’s a versatile option for small kitchens or those who want to save space without compromising on functionality.

Here’s a breakdown of what an OTG oven can do:

Baking: OTG ovens are perfect for baking cakes, cookies, breads, pastries, and more. They come with heating elements on the top and bottom, ensuring even heat distribution for consistent baking results.

Toasting: The toaster function allows you to quickly brown bread slices to your desired level of crispness.

Grilling: The grill function uses a heating element at the top to simulate grilling, perfect for searing meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.

OTG ovens come in various sizes and capacities. They typically range from small, countertop models to slightly larger options that can accommodate a whole chicken. When choosing an OTG oven, consider your counter space limitations and the types of dishes you plan to cook most often.

Paneer tikka recipe in otg oven

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka:

• 500g paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp kasoori methi, crushed
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon(optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving:

• Onion rings
• Lemon wedges

For Skewers:

• Metal or wooden skewers

Equipment:

• OTG oven
• Baking tray
• Skewers
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Preparation :

Prepare the marinade:

• In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, and crushed kasoori methi. To get a smooth paste, thoroughly mix.

Marinate the paneer:

• Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.

Prepare the skewers:

• To keep wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for half an hour.

Prepare the vegetables:

• Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and tomato to the marinated paneer and mix well.

Thread the ingredients:

• Alternately thread the marinated paneer, onion, and bell pepper cubes onto the skewers.

Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your OTG oven to 200°C (400°F).

Grill the tikka:

• Place the skewers on a baking tray and grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the paneer is golden brown and cooked through. To ensure equal browning, flip the skewers halfway through cooking.

Serve hot:

• Garnish with onion rings and lemon wedges.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the paneer overnight.
• Use wooden skewers for better heat distribution.
• If you don’t have skewers, you can place the marinated mixture directly on the baking tray.
• For a smoky flavor, char the skewers on a gas stove before using them.
• To prevent the skewers from sticking, lightly oil them before threading the ingredients.
• For extra juicy paneer, marinate it in a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice for 15 minutes before adding it to the main marinade.
• Serve paneer tikka hot with mint chutney and onion rings.

Additional Tips:

• To reduce oil content, you can grill the paneer without oil.
• For a healthier option, use low-fat yogurt.
• Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or pineapple.
• Serve with mint chutney or coriander chutney for added taste.
• For a vegetarian option, replace paneer with tofu.
• Add a pinch of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the marinade for a unique aroma.

Nutritionist Information (Approximate Values per Serving) :

• Calories: 200-250
• Protein: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Fat: 10-12g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Personal Suggestion :

• To add a smoky flavor, char the skewers briefly on a gas stove before grilling them in the OTG oven. This will elevate the taste of your paneer tikka to the next level.
• For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the marinade. It enhances the overall aroma and taste of the paneer tikka.

Enjoy your homemade Paneer Tikka!

Paneer tikka in the otg oven without skewers :

• Cut paneer and your favorite veggies into cubes for oven-baked paneer tikka without skewers. Prepare a flavorful marinade using yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices like turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and lemon juice. Coat the paneer and veggies well in this marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the marinated paneer and veggies in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a charred look. Serve hot with your preferred raita or chutney.

for more interesting OTG recipes follow our website: renavk.com

FAQ’s: