Title: Vegetarian Grilling Made Easy: Paneer Tikka on the BBQ
Introduction:
Grilling is often associated with meats, but vegetarians need not feel left out! With paneer tikka, a classic Indian dish, vegetarians can enjoy the smoky, charred flavors of the barbecue season. Paneer tikka is a popular appetizer or snack that features marinated cubes of paneer cheese grilled to perfection. In this blog post, we'll explore how to make paneer tikka on the BBQ, offering easy steps and tips for a delicious vegetarian grilling experience.
 What is Paneer Tikka?
Paneer tikka is a beloved Indian dish made from paneer cheese marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, skewered, and grilled until charred and smoky. It's often served as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by mint chutney and onion slices. The marinade typically includes ingredients like yogurt, ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, and lemon juice, imparting bold and flavorful notes to the paneer.
 Ingredients for Paneer Tikka:
Before firing up the grill, gather the following ingredients:
- Paneer cheese, cut into cubes
- Yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for its thickness)
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Chili powder
- Garam masala
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)
 Steps to Prepare Paneer Tikka on the BBQ:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
   - In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Whisk until well combined.
2. Marinate the Paneer:
   - Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Skewer the Paneer:
   - Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each cube to ensure even cooking.
4. Grill the Paneer Tikka:
   - Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred. Be gentle when flipping the skewers to prevent the paneer from breaking.
5. Serve Hot:
   - Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer the paneer tikka to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired and serve hot with mint chutney and onion slices on the side.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka:
- Use firm paneer cheese that can hold its shape on the grill without crumbling.
- Don't skip the marination step; it's essential for infusing the paneer with flavor and keeping it moist during grilling.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the paneer to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Experiment with different marinade variations by adding ingredients like cumin powder, turmeric, or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
With paneer tikka on the BBQ, vegetarians can enjoy the smoky, charred flavors of grilling season just like their meat-eating counterparts. This classic Indian dish is easy to prepare and bursting with bold and aromatic spices. By following these simple steps and tips, you can master the art of making delicious paneer tikka that's sure to impress your family and friends at your next BBQ gathering. So fire up the grill, thread those skewers, and get ready to enjoy a taste of India in every bite!