Paneer Shashlik Recipe (Easy Paneer Snack)

Ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 medium-sized onion, cut into cubes
• 1 medium-sized bell pepper (capsicum), cut into cubes
• 1 medium-sized tomato, cut into cubes
• 8-10 button mushrooms (optional), cleaned and halved
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the marinade:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the paneer cubes, onion cubes, bell pepper cubes, tomato cubes, and mushrooms (if using) to the marinade. Gently toss until all the pieces are well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated paneer, vegetables, and mushrooms onto skewers, alternating the pieces as desired.
5. Brush the skewers with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and place them on the preheated grill or on a baking sheet if using an oven.
6. Grill or bake the paneer shashlik for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer and vegetables are slightly charred and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them cool slightly.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
9. Serve the Paneer Shashlik hot as an appetizer or as a main course with naan bread or rice. You can also serve it with mint chutney or a tangy tomato-based sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Paneer Shashlik!

Tips and Variations:

Tips:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning during the grilling process.
2. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the paneer shashlik in a grill pan or even on a stovetop using a regular non-stick pan. Just make sure to cook them on medium-high heat until they are charred and cooked through.
3. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or add a few soaked and drained wood chips to a gas grill to infuse the dish with a smoky aroma.

Variations:

1. Spicy Paneer Shashlik: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to make it spicier. You can also add finely chopped green chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2. Paneer and Fruit Shashlik: Add fruits like pineapple chunks, apple slices, or peach cubes to the skewers along with paneer and vegetables. The combination of sweet and savory flavors adds a delightful twist to the dish.
3. Paneer Tikka Masala: After grilling the paneer shashlik, you can further cook it in a creamy tomato-based sauce to make a Paneer Tikka Masala. Prepare a sauce with onion, tomato, ginger-garlic paste, and spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Add the grilled paneer and vegetables to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
4. Tandoori Paneer Shashlik: Add a tablespoon of tandoori masala powder to the marinade for a distinct smoky and tangy flavor. This will give it a restaurant-style tandoori twist.
5. Lemon-Coriander Paneer Shashlik: Add freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to give a refreshing citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Paneer Shashlik with warm naan bread or roti (Indian flatbread). These bread options are perfect for scooping up the flavorful paneer and vegetables. You can accompany the dish with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice (rice cooked with cumin seeds). The rice provides a nice balance to the spicy and tangy flavors of the dish.
• Prepare a fresh mint chutney by blending together fresh mint leaves, cilantro, green chilies, ginger, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside the Paneer Shashlik for a burst of refreshing flavor.
• Make a cooling raita by mixing yogurt with grated cucumber, finely chopped onions, mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of salt. This creamy and refreshing side dish complements the spiciness of the Paneer Shashlik.
• Serve a side salad made with fresh lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the paneer.
• Accompany the dish with a variety of Indian pickles such as mango pickles, lime pickles, or mixed vegetable pickles. These tangy and spicy condiments add an extra punch of flavor.