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Jim Pizers Legendary Paneer Kebab Recipe – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Jim Pizer's Legendary Paneer Kebab Recipe

Discover the legendary paneer kebab recipe from Thali Café founder Jim Pizer. Featuring a unique toasted chickpea flour marinade, this succulent and addictive dish creates a savory crust that's simply irresistible. Perfect for the grill or barbecue.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • Some recipes have a story, and this one is a testament to true passion. It comes from Jim Pizer, founder of the beloved Thali Café in Bristol, who fell in love with authentic Indian home cooking and set out to replicate that magic. This paneer kebab recipe became an instant legend on his menu. While you might not find this exact dish in India, I can personally vouch that it's one of the most delicious, succulent, and utterly addictive ways to enjoy paneer. The secret is a toasted chickpea flour marinade that creates a savory crust you won't be able to get enough of. Get ready to fire up the grill!
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g / 0.53 oz) chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1¼ pounds / 570 g (20.1 oz) firm paneer, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1¾-inch / 4.5 cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 6 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1¼ teaspoons / 6 ml (0.2 fl oz) ground red chile
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) mango chutney
  • 1½ teaspoons / 7.5 ml (0.3 fl oz) ground black pepper
  • 1¼ teaspoons / 6 ml (0.2 fl oz) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml / 0.1 fl oz) ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1½ red bell peppers, deseeded and cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • for Perfect Paneer Kebabs
  • Use high-quality, firm paneer. A good, dense paneer will hold its shape on the skewer and won't crumble during cooking.
  • For the best char, ensure your griddle pan or grill is screaming hot before you place the kebabs on it. This sears the outside quickly, locking in moisture.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as chunks of onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, for extra color and flavor.

Method
 

  1. First, create the flavor base for your marinade.
  2. Pour the oil into a small pan over medium heat.
  3. Once hot, whisk in the chickpea flour.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until the oil is absorbed and you have a thick, nutty-brown paste. This toasting process is key to the deep, savory flavor.
  5. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled chickpea flour paste with the paneer cubes and all other except for the red bell peppers. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until every piece of paneer is evenly coated in the rich marinade.
  7. Let the paneer marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, cover and refrigerate for an hour or even overnight. If you're using wooden skewers, now is the perfect time to soak them in cold water to prevent burning.
  8. When you're ready to cook, preheat your griddle pan, grill, or barbecue to high heat.
  9. Thread the marinated paneer cubes and chunks of red bell pepper alternately onto your skewers.
  10. Cook the kebabs for about 8 minutes, turning them every 2 minutes. You're looking for a beautiful char on all sides and paneer that is heated through and slightly softened.
  11. Serve immediately while hot and sizzling, accompanied by fresh naan bread or fluffy rice, a cooling cucumber and mint raita, and a crisp side salad.
  12. Don't overcrowd the pan.
  13. Cook the kebabs in batches if necessary to ensure they grill evenly rather than steam.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 26gFat: 36g

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