Achari Paneer Tikka ( BBqued Pickled Cottage Cheese)

Did you know that Achar(pickle) is persian in origin, the word itself being derived from Axi or Achi the term for chillies.

With the trivia bit being over, let me focus on the dish. Achari (pickled) dishes are a rage and have found themselves on the menus of countless Indian restaurants around the world, the common ones being, Achari aloos for the vegetarians and achari meat for the non-veg's. I have been a sucker for achari dishes and love to make them. Firstly, they add a nice variation to the menu, secondly, the achari starters really tingle your palate and build it up for the courses to follow. I wanted to make some paneer tikkas, but did not want the usual paneer tikka thing, so achari paneer tikka was a nice thing to do.
The photos are looking a little weird this time because I have been playing around on Photoshop a little too much these days :)

Achari Paneer Tikka Ingredients:

Paneer ( Cottage Cheese), cubed into 1.5" pieces ...use Ricotta cubes, if paneer isn't available - 400 gms

For the Marinade:
Hung Curd - 3/4 Cup
Garlic Paste - 2 Tblsp
Ginger Paste - 1 Tblsp
Fennel Seeds (saunf) - 2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds (Rai) - 2 Tsp
Fenugreek Seeds(Methi Dana) - 1 Tsp
Onion Seeds (Kalonji) - 1 Tsp
Cumin Seeds (Zeera) - 2 Tsp
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) - 1 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 2 Tsp
Mustard Oil - 2 Tblsp
Salt - To Taste

For the skewers:
Capsicum ( bell peppers) - 2
Onion - 1
Tomatoes - 2

Onion Rings & Lemon Wedges for the garnish
Mint Chutney, as accompaniment

Method: Pre-Preparation:
1. Coarsely grind the fennel, mustard, fenugreek, onion and cumin seeds with mustard oil.
2. Blend together the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt and the ground masala.
3. Add the Paneer cubes to this marinade and chill for 30 mins.
4. Cut the Capsicum, onions and tomatoes into dices ( same size as paneer).

Preparation:
1. Arrange the paneer on skewers. Skewer the Capsicum dice, followed by a paneer cube, followed by a onion dice, again followed by a paneer cube, followed by a Tomato dice and a paneer cube. You may repeat this if the skewer is long.
2. Pre-heat the oven,tandoor, microwave, grill.
3. Grill for 20 mins, or till edges turn brown.
4. Remove from skewers and serve hot.

Note: To add in more achari flavor, you can add in 1 Tblsp Pickle masala (green chilli, mango, lemon) to the marinade.

Posted in: Appetizer,North Indian Cuisine,Paneer,snack,Tandoori,Tikka