Paneer skewers

Paneer skewers

25 min
Savour the taste of deliciously grilled paneer skewers. Marinated in a sumptuous blend of olive oil and spices, these skewers feature cubed paneer and crisp vegetables, all grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing mint dip, this recipe is a fantastic combination of flavours and textures that will impress any meal.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/paneer-skewers/

Instructions

  • Slice paneer into cubes and set aside in a bowl.
  • Chop peppers into squares and red onion into quarters and set aside in another bowl.
  • Make a marinade for the vegetables with honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the paprika and sumac. Mix, cover the vegetables, and leave to marinade for as long as possible.
  • Cover paneer in olive oil, sumac, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss around to get everything covered.
  • Fry in sunflower oil for 3-5 minutes until everything is crisped up. Place on a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil.
  • Skewer everything in whatever order you like and place them on a grill, turning regularly, for about 5 minutes to cook the vegetables.
  • Mix Greek yoghurt, mint sauce, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt to make a quick dip.
  • Remove your skewers and serve.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about paneer skewers

Below, you will find information about paneer, storing, and freezing so you can savour these tasty paneer skewers at your convenience.

What is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh, unaged cheese widely popular in Indian cuisine. Paneer does not melt when heated, so it is perfect for grilled skewers. The flavour is mild and milky, providing a neutral base that absorbs flavours well from spices.
How to store the paneer skewers?
Leftover paneer skewers can be refrigerated for up to two days. Let them cool at room temperature before placing them in a sealed container to protect them from moisture and other contaminants. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from going bad.
Can I freeze the paneer skewers?
Yes, you can freeze the paneer skewers. Put them into separate airtight containers or sealable bags. This keeps the textures of the paneer and vegetables and stops freezer burn. To enjoy your skewers again, defrost them slowly in the fridge overnight. Reheat the skewers on a grill or in an oven to bring back that just-grilled flavour. Warm them through until they are hot, which will revive the charred outside and keep the paneer soft and the vegetables juicy.

Ingredients

225 g
Red pepper
1
Yellow pepper
1
Red onion
1
Honey
1 tbsp
Olive oil
20 g
A pinch of salt and pepper
Paprika
2 tsp
Sumac
2 tsp
Sunflower oil for frying
Greek yoghurt
5 tbsp
Mint Sauce
1 tsp
Lemon, juice
½

Tips: Perfecting your paneer skewers

Find out how to make delicious paneer skewers with our tips below. Raise your grilling skills with these key insights that will make every bite even more delightful.

Achieving the perfect paneer crispiness

To ensure your paneer skewers have a delightful crispy texture, fry the paneer cubes in sunflower oil. This creates a golden crust that contrasts with the tender grilled vegetables. After frying, let the paneer rest on paper towels to soak up excess oil, keeping your skewers from feeling greasy.

Keeping paneer juicy on the grill

Coat your paneer generously with the marinade to keep it succulent while grilling. Pay close attention when grilling, turning the skewers often for even cooking and a perfect char without overdoing it. This keeps the paneer soft and prevents it from turning rubbery.

Skewering the paneer and vegetables

For evenly cooked paneer skewers with a perfect char, thread the paneer, peppers, and red onions onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. This lets heat circulate and ensures uniform cooking. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before use to avoid burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a good alternative as they do not need soaking.

Make delicious paneer skewers

These delightful paneer skewers are perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in. The skewers consist of soft, fresh paneer interlaced with crisp red and yellow peppers and onions. Paneer, being a non-melting cheese, holds its shape and texture beautifully when grilled, offering a satisfying chewiness against the slight char of the grill. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, preparing a quick dinner, or packing a picnic, paneer skewers adapt effortlessly to any occasion. Try them and find out for yourself just how enjoyable they are.

You should also try these paneer and vegetable skewers with coriander, cumin, chilli powder, and turmeric. Or try our sweet and savoury filo pastry triangles and loaded sweet potato fries.

Marinated in olive oil and aromatic spices

Before these skewers ever touch the grill, they are marinated with plenty of rich flavours. The vegetables are coated in olive oil, honey, paprika, sumac, salt, and pepper. The honey imparts a slight sweetness that caramelises beautifully upon grilling, providing a perfect counterbalance to the zesty sumac and smoky paprika.

The paneer, on the other hand, is marinated separately in olive oil, sumac, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring that it absorbs a robust and aromatic flavour. Marinating the vegetables and cheese separately ensures they maintain their distinct flavours, complementing each other perfectly. It also tenderises the vegetables and helps the paneer achieve a crispy exterior, making every skewer irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Served with a fresh mint dip

This recipe serves the paneer skewers with a fresh, creamy mint dip that dazzles the palate. The dip combines Greek yoghurt, mint sauce, a bit of lemon juice, and a hint of salt, resulting in a refreshing counterbalance to the smoky, savoury notes of the skewers. The creamy texture of the yoghurt provides a cooling effect, while the mint introduces a burst of freshness that enhances the overall flavours. It is an integral part of the experience, marrying well with the spices and bringing a delightful creaminess that makes each skewer even more enjoyable.

Adjust the recipe to your liking

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and paneer skewers offer ample opportunity for doing just that. For instance, adding cumin can introduce a warm, earthy flavour, while a sprinkle of chilli powder can give it a spicy kick. If you are a fan of herbs, consider adding chopped coriander or parsley to the marinade for an extra layer of freshness. Additionally, the vegetables can be varied based on what is in season or what you have at hand. Experimenting with different oils, such as avocado or coconut oil, can also alter the flavour. Whether you prefer them spicier, milder, or herb-infused, tweaking the recipe allows you to cater to everyone’s preferences.