Smoked Paneer Tikka Open Sandwich Recipe By Chef Team ZZ

Indulge in the irresistible smoky flavours of the smoked paneer tikka sandwich—a delightful fusion of marinated paneer, grilled vegetables, and aromatic spices, all packed on top of a slice of bread. Elevate your open sandwich game with this mouthwatering and flavour-packed delight.

Table of contents

• About the smoked paneer tikka open sandwich
• Ingredients
• Preparation
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro tips
• Quick recap

About the smoked paneer tikka open sandwich

The smoked paneer tikka sandwich is a delightful variation of the classic paneer tikka sandwich. It features smoky flavours infused into the paneer and vegetables, creating a delicious and aromatic filling. The paneer and vegetables are marinated with a blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and then assembled in an open sandwich on a bread slice. The smoky aroma adds an extra layer of depth to the sandwich, making it a flavourful and satisfying option for sandwich lovers. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a light meal, the smoked paneer tikka sandwich is sure to please your taste buds with its enticing flavours.

Ingredients

For the marination 

1. 250-gram diced paneer 
2. ¼ cup hung curd 
3. 1 tsp mustard oil 
4. 2 tsp ginger garlic green chilli paste 
5. 1 tbsp roasted besan 
6. 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder 
7. ½ tsp garam masala powder 
8. ½ tsp kasuri methi powder 
9. ½ tsp lemon juice 
10. Salt to taste 
11. Veggies
12. Diced onion 
13. Diced green bell peppers 

For the open sandwich

1. White bread 
2. Butter 
3. Green chutney 
4. Cheese 
5. Sandwich masala

Preparation

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine curd, ginger-garlic paste, spices (like garam masala, red chilli powder), lemon juice, and salt. Thoroughly combine the ingredients to form the perfect marinade.
2. Marinate the paneer and vegetables: Cut the paneer into cubes and coat them along with sliced vegetables (such as capsicum, onions) with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavours.
3. Preheat the grill or pan: Preheat a grill or non-stick pan over medium heat for cooking the paneer and vegetables.
4. Skewer the paneer and vegetables: Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between them for even cooking.
5. Prepare the bread and spread: Take slices of bread and spread butter or chutney on one side for added flavour.
6. Grill the paneer and vegetables: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or pan and cook until the paneer and vegetables are golden and slightly charred, turning them occasionally.
7. Remove paneer and vegetables from skewers: Once cooked, remove the paneer and vegetables from the skewers and set them aside.
8. Assemble the open sandwich: Take a slice of bread, buttered or spread side up, and layer it with the grilled paneer and vegetables. Add any desired toppings and seasonings to make this recipe your own.

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a bowl, combine curd, mustard oil, ginger garlic green chilli paste, roasted besan (gram flour), Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala, kasuri methi powder (fenugreek leaf powder), lemon juice, and salt.
2. Add paneer, capsicum, and onions to the bowl and mix them to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
   Place a small bowl in the centre of the mixture and add hot charcoal to it. Pour some ghee over the charcoal and cover the bowl with a lid. This will infuse the mixture with a smoky flavour.
3. Remove the lid and the small bowl from the centre. Skewer the paneer pieces onto a stick for grilling.
4. Heat ghee in a grill pan and place the skewered paneer in it, allowing it to cook until golden and slightly charred.
5. Spread a layer of butter on one side of a bread slice.
6. Spread green chutney on the buttered side of the bread slice.
7. Remove the paneer pieces from the skewer and place them on top of the bread slice.
8. Sprinkle some salt and grated cheese over the paneer.
9. Heat butter in a pan and place the bread slice with the paneer on it. Place a lid on the pan and watch the cheese melt to perfection.
10. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is toasted, serve the delicious smoked paneer open sandwich while it is piping hot.

Pro tips

1. Marinating time: Allow the paneer and vegetables to marinate for a longer duration, ideally for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This enhances flavour absorption and ensures a more flavorful result.
2. Soaking the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes before threading the paneer and vegetables. This prevents them from burning or splintering during grilling.
3. Preheating the grill or pan: Ensure that your grill or non-stick pan is properly preheated before placing the skewers. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents the paneer from sticking.
4. Basting with marinade: While grilling, baste the paneer and vegetables with the leftover marinade to keep them moist and add an extra layer of flavour.
5. Choosing the bread: Opt for a bread variety that complements the flavours of the sandwich, such as a crusty baguette, ciabatta, or whole wheat bread. Toasting the bread lightly before assembling adds a nice texture.
6. Adding crunch: Consider adding some sliced onions, lettuce, or cucumber for a refreshing crunch and added texture to the sandwich.
7. Experiment with condiments: Enhance the flavours further by adding condiments like mint chutney, garlic sauce, or a tangy yoghurt-based dressing to complement the smoky paneer tikka.
8. Serving suggestions: For a complete meal, pair the sandwich with a side of salad, potato chips, or pickles. It also goes well with a cooling beverage like a refreshing mint lemonade or iced tea.

Quick recap

Ingredients

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), vegetables (such as capsicum and onions), spices (like garam masala, and red chilli powder), yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, bread slices, butter or chutney for spreading.

Instructions

1. Marinate paneer and vegetables with spices, yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. Let them marinate for enhanced flavours.
2. Preheat a grill or non-stick pan and cook the marinated paneer and vegetables until golden and slightly charred.
3. Prepare bread slices by spreading butter or chutney on one side.
4. Assemble the sandwich by placing grilled paneer and vegetables on the bread slices. Add any desired toppings, such as sliced onions or lettuce.
5. Serve the smoked paneer tikka open sandwich as a delightful and flavorful snack or light meal.