Spiced Paneer Skewers: Grilled Perfection

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €4.45 · €0.74/serving

• - 1 small crimson red onion, finely choppedEst. price €0.15–€0.35
• - 3 vibrant green Thai chiles or petite serrano chiles, thinly slicedEst. price €0.20–€0.45
• - 2 cloves of garlic, finely grated (press with back of knife to extract flavors)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• - 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated (use a microplane for best results)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• - 1 cup of densely packed cilantro leaves with delicate stems (rinse and pat dry before use)Est. price €0.50–€1.20
• - 1 cup of tightly packed mint leaves (check for any wilted leaves and discard before measuring)Est. price €0.80–€1.50
• - 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (use a citrus reamer for maximum juice extraction)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• - 2 teaspoons of Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon of Morton kosher saltEst. price €0.05–€0.15
• - 1 teaspoon of granulated sugarEst. price €0.02–€0.08
• - 2 teaspoons of whole cumin seeds (lightly toast in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   In a blender, combine half of a small red onion, 3 green Thai chiles or small serrano chiles, 2 finely grated garlic cloves, one half-inch piece of peeled and finely grated ginger, 1 and a half cups of packed cilantro leaves with tender stems, 1 cup of packed mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Diamond Crystal or 1 and a quarter teaspoons of Morton kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a quarter cup of water. Blend the ingredients until smooth to create a flavorful herb purée. Once ready, transfer the mixture into a small bowl and keep it aside until serving time.

2. 2

   In a small skillet over medium heat, toast 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, shaking the pan occasionally. Allow them to darken slightly and become highly fragrant, which should take around 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the toasted seeds to a spice mill or mortar and pestle to cool before grinding them into a fine powder.

3. 3

   Begin by heating ⅔ cup of mustard oil or vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once hot, pour the oil into a heatproof medium bowl and allow it to cool down to lukewarm temperature. This step is important as heating the mustard oil helps reduce its strong flavor profile. Next, add cumin, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of Diamond Crystal salt or 2¼ teaspoons of Morton kosher salt, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and ground turmeric to the oil. Mix these spices together before incorporating finely grated garlic cloves, ginger, plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (1 cup), and ajwain seeds or caraway seeds (2 teaspoons). Now, introduce paneer cut into 4 cubes from four 6-ounce blocks into the marinade mixture. Gently toss the paneer to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful marinade. Allow the paneer to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using in your recipe.

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• Cultural note

  Spiced Paneer Skewers are a popular Indian dish that showcases the use of traditional spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Paneer, a fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine, is the star ingredient in this recipe. The grilling method reflects the influence of outdoor cooking techniques prevalent in Indian…

• Seasonal note

  This dish is perfect for summer barbecues when fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are abundant, and when red onions and chiles are in season. It can also be enjoyed year-round by using pantry staples like turmeric and cumin.

• Health note

  Spiced Paneer Skewers are a good source of protein from the paneer and whole-milk Greek yogurt. The dish is high in fat, particularly saturated fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. It also provides essential vitamins like A and C, as well as fiber and zinc.