Paneer pudina tikka is a great starter or finger food for parties. The secret to this recipe is to use the best paneer you can get or make it yourself. The marinade is fresh, aromatic and has quite a chilli hit. Simple to make with great results.
Grind all the marinade ingredients to a very smooth paste using a small blender or a mortar and pestle. If necessary, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time.
Put the marinade into a large bowl. Add the paneer and mix well to cover it all with the marinade. Cover with cling-wrap and refrigerate overnight.
to cook
Remove marinated paneer from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 180 °C
Place the marinated paneer onto an oven tray. Cover the pieces with any remaining marinade. Drizzle over the oil and cook for 10 minutes until the cubes are a little browned on the outside.
Whilst the paneer is cooking, toast the sesame seeds in small hot pan for about two minutes. Once they start to change colour, add the black sesame seeds and cook for a further 30 seconds until they release their aroma.
to serve
Remove from oven, toss with the sesame seeds, then place on serving dish and serve with the lime wedges.
notes
Gingelly oil is Indian sesame oil. It is very different to the Asian sesame oil. Substitute with vegetable oil if unobtainable.