FOOD AND TRAVEL

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Paneer Tikka With Grilled Vegetables

paneer

In matter of a month  decisions were made, suitcases were being packed and for the first time we were not shopping till we dropped before heading to India. The less things we take, the less we will miss the place, my mom said in her soft yet confident voice. We were leaving Kuwait for good. And not enough words were being exchanged.  There was the pressing question of 'Where am I going?'. Am I really going home or leaving home?

Reaching Rajasthan in the face of one of the hottest summers in a decade was a terrible start. Our sudden move meant, our beautiful yet vacant for years villa, didn't have every luxury we were used too. The bed was gone and so was the 24 hours air conditioning. 

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Nights were spend trying to keep the insects away and fanning ourselves with the cheap Japanese fans.  We sisters sang our way through the night, from melodious old bollywod songs to the beats of backstreet boys (they were THE thing back then) in our not so melodious voice. We laughed out loud  on the irony of our situation. 

As we settled, things got much better. We got our own electricity generator, got our rooms air conditioned, got brand new matress and our new home finally started feeling like home. But once we got past our materialistic needs, there was one yearning that couldn't be helped. The sea. Those morning walks with the friends on the beach and weekends nights spend  lazying on beach all became a mystical memory. The sound of the the waves hitting the shore suddenly became much louder in my mind then they ever really were.


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Cocoa room, Kuwait

Nearly 7 years later, me and my mom are in Kuwait walking on the same beach together, exploring old and new favorites breakfast places . All those memories I so nostalgically write about don't even feel a day old. I'm back to my teenage self letting mom control the kitchen and  relishing her food and company. Yes, that's what is keeping me busy. I really wish to be around but if I'm not remember I'm making new memories to share with you later.


Paneer Tikka With Grilled Vegetables 
Serves: 2 

Ever since my how to make paneer post, I have got so many requests for paneer recipes, I was quite surprised how famous paneer is! I hope to add more paneer recipes but I decided to start with one of the  easiest to make Paneer Tikka. 

Paneer tikka is generally served as a vegetarian starter. Traditionally it is coated in spices and grilled in tandoor but a grill works great as well. It succulent, soft and  mildly spicy. Though its great on its own, tucked in a pita bread with green chutney is my favorite way to eat it.

Ingredients 

500 g paneer (make your own)
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 green chilly, chopped to paste
1 tbsp tandoori masala
1/2 tsp cumin powder, preferably freshly roasted and grounded
1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp yogurt

1 tbsp ketchup

1 onion, cut into quarters
1 red/green bell pepper, cubed
1 tomato, cut into quarters
Salt to taste

Ghee or oil to brush
Bamboo skewers to thread

Method 

Marinate the paneer and vegetables with all the above ingredients for at least one hour. 

Thread the paneer, onions and bell peppers on the wooden skewers in any combination you like. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers else they don't cook properly.

Preheat your grill on medium or you could use a frying pan with little ghee instead. Put the paneer skewers on it and brush with little oil or ghee. 

Grill till paneer is light golden on all sides. A few darker spots are a good thing but do not overcook else the paneer becomes rubbery.

Remove onto a platter and sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves and serve with wedge of lemon.

Serve hot with some green chutney if you like.

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52 comments

  1. That was a nice walk down your memory lane.. My mom was here last month and I did exactly that - become that little girl who depended on Mom to cook every meal:)
    I make this grilled paneer + chunky veges and love it. Esp. on days when we don't wanna spend too much time standing in the kitchen cooking. Amazing what yogurt marination and tandoori masala can do:)
    The 2nd last photo is very nice!

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  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been dying to make Paneer Tikka since your homemade paneer post. When I saw this, I had every intention of making it this Saturday for my family, but then I realized I still haven't ordered any tandoori masala. I have to order it on Amazon as it is impossible to find locally. So... I'll have to look forward to trying this in a week or two when the spice arrives! Thank you for the lovely stroll down your memory lane, and for the recipe!

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  3. Since I've learned to make Paneer I'm making it at least once a week...it's so much fun!
    I've got to try this way to enjoy it.

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  4. paneer :) loving the rustic look of the journey :)
    xoxo

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  5. A fabulous dish and way of preparing paneer! Lovely clicks, especially the first one.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  6. This is a beautiful post! I got side tracked by the green chutney link, and then visited all your other gorgeous chutney recipes. I was reminded what an incredible resource this blog is for anyone exploring Indian food. Your photos never cease to amaze me!

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  7. Beautifully written post! At first I thought you moved to India :D
    Have fun with your Mom and enjoy all the pampering :)

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  8. Lovely recipe and beautiful photos.

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  9. Classic clicks to go with such a classic dish there..Super yummy.

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  10. " 'Where am I going?'. Am I really going home or leaving home?" After living 9 years in the U.S we are finally going back to Kuwait and it feels exactly like that.
    I am a little confused, did you left Kuwait for good, or was this just a memory?
    Anywhere you might be I hope you can still make your delicious food and take your beautiful pictures.

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    Replies
    1. I guess I confused most of you :) I actually left Kuwait for good some years back with my family but returned to live here with my husband after marriage whereas my family is still in India! Thank you so much for your kind words

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    2. I initially got confused too Kulsum but then eventually got it right!
      Well, I have gone through pretty much the same...
      Great post..nice recipe...will surely try it!! :)

      FARIDA

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  11. I am glad you are back where you love! This is a very unique recipe and surely a keeper.

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  12. happy to see your post ! i agree with you, backstreet boys were the thing, i remember having a poster too in 7th grade. i love paneer recipes & i usually end up having this when eating out. hope you're enjoying your move back....

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  13. Glad to see your post Kulsum. Yes for a moment I thought like Kankana. Blame the time (midnight here). Anyways, good to have mom with us right? I am missing mom now. She was with me for the last 3 months and loved every bit of her stay here. Yummy recipe and more so yummy pictures.

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  14. Love the post, pics and paneer tikka, a recipe which is always a hit with family and friends!

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  15. I absolutely love paneer when I eat out in restaurants, but surprisingly have never tried to make it myself. I love the idea of serving it simply, tikka style, and will definitely be trying this gorgeous recipe :-)

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  16. cocoa room pictures are great! and i love backstreet boys, we still listen to them and sing me and my friends :D

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  17. What a beautiful post, and this paneer dish is a pure delight!

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  18. Great post Kulsum. Hope having Mommy around is maaking everything better! Enjoy your time with her ;)

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  19. Beautifully written Kulsum. I lived in London for 5 years and I missed the ocean/water so much in summer! Sun bathing in a park just didn't feel right and isn't the same.

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  20. I'll have to catch up a bit...I didn't realize you moved! Wow...and during a really hot summer. I can relate because it is really really REALLY hot here in Texas right now. I cannot even imagine existing with air conditioning. I'll check back in to see your wonderful food photography and see how everything is turning out.

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  21. Those vegetables look insane! Literally insane! I love the flavor of spices you used to bring out their natural goodness! oh and grilling veggies is the only way to go!

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  22. Beautiful post & beautifully written too.Mom's are the world's best gift to mankind, so very precious. Enjoy every moment with her. Lovely colorful paneer tikka's.
    Cheers!

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  23. I adore paneer. Your post is just beautiful and I love the accompanying story.

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  24. Ahh Kulsum this looks SO good! I had paneer tikka once, at a restaurant in Melbourne, and I instantly fell in love. I've yet to find a restaurant where I live now who makes it, but now I can make my own thanks to you! Thank you! Enjoy your time with your Mum!

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  25. Lovely photos! I am pulled in to the warmth of the dish. I can practically smell the spices!

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  26. Hi There, Wow...this recipe is looking Wonderful and I'm loving it so much. Today I was out of ideas and was wandering what to make. Got the answer now...! I can't wait to try it on my island. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thanks & Regards, Sonia !!!

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  27. Beautifully written, Kulsum, as always great photos and recipe.

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  28. Yum! Those grilled veggies look wonderful. What a lovely, warm dish!

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  29. What a beautiful post, Kulsum! For a second, I thought you'd moved back to India :D

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  30. this look so beautiful and so flavorful. Would love to have this for dinner

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  31. Where have u disappeared, dear Kulsum?

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  32. It looks beautiful and seriously I want to try now. Thanks for making hungry. Cheers!

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  33. The recipe looks lovely and the pictures are smashing. I accidentally stumbled upon your blog and I am so glad I did.

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  34. Love the story and the tikkas! Spectacular photos.

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  36. this looks amazing! I prefer grilled veggies over any other method. DELISH

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  37. What a beautiful post and lovely pictures! Making my tummy growl right after dinner :))


    http://sushiandcuttingchai.blogspot.in/

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  38. Hey Kulsum..

    Where have you been.. I miss new recipes/updates on your blog.

    Take Care,
    Prachi

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  39. Made this at midnight as i was craving it after reading your blog. So yummy!!! Love it!

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  40. Hey dear i rally like your site, but it disappointing me a lot. Would be more happy if your post come more often. Thanks...:)
    cheese food

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  41. First of all, I love your writing style. Second of all, I happened upon your blog, and I'm noticing that you lived (live?) in Kuwait. Me too! Just moved here in the fall. Are you still here?

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  42. Looks delicious! Just out of curiosity, is the ketchup necessary? Could I replace it with tomato paste? Cheers :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi there :) Since it already has tomato paste, I recommend adding a squeeze of lemon instead of more paste. I just like the sweet tang that ketchup adds.

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  43. You post is absolutely awesome and I think I will surely follow it. Food and health is always the top concern of people, and I have provided a detail recipe of healthy vegetable Barbecue that has kick of vegetable and taste of delicious spice.

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