Paneer tikka
Indian cuisine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paneer tikka or Paneer Soola[1] or Chhena Soola is an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer or chhena marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor.[2][3] It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes.[4][5][6] The dish is popular in India and is also available in countries with an Indian diaspora.[7][8]
Paneer tikka, as served in a restaurant in Goa, India | |
| Alternative names | Paneer Soola or Chhena Soola |
|---|---|
| Course | Hors d'oeuvre |
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Northern India |
| Associated cuisine | India |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Paneer, spices |
| Variations | Chicken tikka |
Preparation
Chunks of paneer, a type of fresh cheese, are marinated in spices and then arranged on a stick with capsicums (bell peppers), onions and tomatoes. These sticks are grilled in a tandoor, and the dish is served hot, seasoned with lemon juice and chaat masala.[9] It is sometimes accompanied by salad or mint chutney.[10] Tikka dishes traditionally go well with mint chutney.[11] The paneer, though tender, has a crisp singe on the surface.[12]
Variations
When paneer tikka is served with a sauce, it is called paneer tikka masala.[13] It is also served in a wrap, as a paneer tikka roll, where the paneer tikka is wrapped in an Indian flatbread and served.[2][14] A variant of paneer tikka is also made as a kebab.[15]
Variations include Kashmiri paneer tikka, where the paneer is stuffed with chopped almonds and grilled,[16] a variety of Chinese food, paneer tikka masala chow mein[17] and dosa stuffed with paneer tikka.[18]
International fast-food chains in India have also incorporated paneer tikka into their menus. For example, Pizza Hut and Domino's offer a paneer tikka topping on their pizzas,[19][20] whereas Subway offers a paneer tikka sandwich[21] and McDonald's has a paneer tikka wrap on its menu.[22] ITC's Bingo brand of potato chips has experimented with a paneer tikka flavour of chips.[23] Before that, in 2003, Nestle's Maggi experimented with a ready-to-cook variety of paneer tikka.[24] Other companies also offer spice mixes and ready-to-eat variants of paneer tikka.[25]
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