Exploring the Fusion: Paneer Tikka Tacos – A South Asian Twist on Mexican Cuisine
Ingredients:
For Paneer Tikka:
– 250g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
– 1/2 cup thick yogurt
– 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons oil
For Tacos:
– 6 small tortillas or chapatis
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) – 1/4 cup mint-cilantro chutney (recipe below) – 1/4 cup tamarind chutney (store-bought or homemade)
– Oil for cooking
Mint-Cilantro Chutney:
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1-2 green chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the paneer tikka. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, and oil.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or more in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature (around 200°C or 400°F).
4. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers or use a grill pan. Grill the paneer until it gets a nice char and is cooked through, turning them occasionally.
5. While the paneer is grilling, prepare the mint-cilantro chutney. Blend mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chilies, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and water in a blender until you get a smooth chutney. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
6. Heat a bit of oil in a separate pan and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions until they are slightly charred and softened.
7. Warm the tortillas or chapatis on a griddle or microwave.
8. To assemble the Paneer Tikka Tacos, spread a spoonful of mint-cilantro chutney on each tortilla, place a few pieces of grilled paneer, and top with the sautéed bell peppers and onions.
9. Drizzle tamarind chutney on top and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves.
10. Serve your unique South Asian Paneer Tikka Tacos immediately and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
These Paneer Tikka Tacos blend the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with the convenience of Mexican-style tacos, making for a delicious and unique South Asian-inspired dish.