Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp hung curd (Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (for authentic achari flavor)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For Achari Spice Mix (or use ready-made achari masala):
- 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
- 1 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
Dry roast and crush coarsely
Instructions
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine hung curd, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices listed. Add in the achari spice mix. Mix everything well until you get a thick paste.
2. Marinate the Paneer:
Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the paneer to soak up all those tangy, spicy flavors.
3. Grill or Pan-Fry:
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Grill Method: Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers along with slices of onion and capsicum. Grill them in an oven or tandoor at 200°C for 10–15 minutes, or until you get that nice charred effect.
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Pan Method: Heat some oil in a non-stick pan and shallow fry the paneer cubes until golden brown on all sides.
4. Serve Hot:
Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- High in protein
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Great for parties or meal prep
- Loaded with bold, pickle-inspired flavors
- Ready in under 30 minutes (excluding marination)
Tips for Best Results:
- Use hung curd to avoid a runny marinade.
- Mustard oil is essential for that true achari taste.
- Want extra smoky flavor? Place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside your marinated paneer, drizzle ghee on it, cover with a lid, and let it infuse for 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes including marination
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Grilled / Pan-Fried / Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~150–170g (about 4–5 tikka pieces)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg (may vary based on salt & pickle used)
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
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