Mastering the Art of Perfect Paneer Tikka in OTG

Paneer tikka is a delectable Indian appetizer loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. When it comes to making paneer tikka, using an OTG (Oven, Toaster, and Grill) is an excellent choice, as it ensures even cooking and a delightful charred flavor making it a must-try OTG recipes veg for any cooking enthusiast. In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step process to prepare mouthwatering paneer tikka in OTG, along with essential tips, common mistakes to avoid, and exciting variations to elevate your culinary experience. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these insights will help you create a sumptuous paneer tikka recipe in OTG that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients Required for Paneer Tikka in OTG

- 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed

- 1 cup thick yogurt

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tablespoon besan (gram flour)

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for a vibrant color without excessive heat)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

- Assorted bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cut into chunks

Steps to Prepare Paneer Tikka in OTG

1. Marination: 

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, gram flour (besan), lemon juice, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Adding Paneer and Vegetables: 

Gently fold in the paneer cubes, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes into the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.

3. Skewering: 

Preheat your OTG to 180°C (356°F). Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers in an alternating pattern.

4. Grilling: 

Place the skewers on a greased baking tray and grill in the OTG for 15-20 minutes or until the paneer and vegetables are charred on the edges.

5. Serving: 

Remove the skewers from the OTG and serve the hot and succulent paneer tikka garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and lemon wedges.

Tips for Perfect Paneer Tikka in OTG

- Use hung curd for the marinade to ensure a thick and creamy texture.

- Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling.

- Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your unique marinade blend.

Variations of Paneer Tikka in OTG

1. Achari Paneer Tikka: 

Add a mix of pickling spices like fenugreek, mustard seeds, and fennel seeds to the marinade for a tangy twist in your paneer tikka recipe in OTG.

2. Tandoori Paneer Tikka: 

Include a tablespoon of tandoori masala and a dash of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for authentic tandoor flavor.

3. Malai Paneer Tikka: 

Substitute hung curd with fresh cream and add a pinch of cardamom powder for a rich and creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making Paneer Tikka in OTG

- Overcooking the paneer, leading to a rubbery texture.

- Using a runny marinade that fails to coat the paneer and vegetables evenly.

- Not preheating the OTG, resulting in uneven cooking.

Best OTG Ovens for a Perfect Paneer Tikka

Model	Agaro Majestic OTG	Agaro Grand OTG - 21L	Agrao Imperial Digital OTG Oven	Inalsa Oven MasterChef 16BK OTG	Bajaj 1603T 16 Litre OTG
Features	-19 Liter capacity, -5 Heating Modes, -Adjustable temperature range from 100°C to 250°C, -Motorized rotisserie with forks -Illuminated chamber	-21 liter Capacity -5 Heating Modes: (Top Heating I Bottom Heating I Top & Bottom Heating I Top Convection I Top and Bottom Convection) -Adjustable temperature from 90°C to 230°C -Heat-resistant tempered glass window with an illuminated chamber -Includes: Main Unit, crumb tray, little fork, grill rack & food tray	-28 liter capacity -10 Preset cooking functions -Convection heating function for even and fast cooking -adjustable temperature knob up to 232°C and timer up to 100 minutes -Includes grill rack, bake pan, tray handle, rotisserie fork, rotisserie handle, crumb tray	-16 liter capacity, -4 stage heat selection, -Adjustable temperature ranges from 100° to 250° C, -6-minute Accu-timer technology, -Shut off bell	-16 Liter capacity, -adjustable temperature ranges from 0°-250° C, -60 minutes timer, -auto shut off feature, -thermostat monitors the temperature
Pros	-Versatile cooking options, -Automatic thermostat and auto shut-off safety feature, -Durable alloy steel construction	-Versatile cooking functions -Automatic Thermostat and Auto Shut Off safety feature -Ready Bell alerts	-Illuminated chamber -ready bell -start, pause, and cancel function	-Lightweight, -the see-through door is connected to the baking rack to safely pull the rack toward you as the door is opened, -Compact design	-sturdy powder-coated body, -Nutri-pro feature for healthy cooking, -Easy to use
Cons	-Limited capacity may not be suitable for larger families,	may not be suitable for large families or when cooking for many guests.	-Costly comparatively	-may not be suitable for more than 3-4 people,	-It may take time to heat - short power cord
Price	₹3,429	₹2,999	₹6,499	₹3,025	₹4,099
Rating	4.0 out of 5	4.2 out of 5	4.3 out of 5	3.9 out of 5	4.1 out of 5
Review	Worth buying: Very good otg at this price range It has rotisserie rod which most of the other otgs don't have at 19 litre in this price range. Decent build quality, overall nice product.	Budget friendly Product ♥️ It's a most adorable OTG I've ever used , till now using it for a week I've experienced wonderful baaking in that , Easy to use and Compact product	Simply awesome Its the best otg iam very happy to purchace this product its easy to used	Value for money sWould call it value for money..I got it at a very good price. Packaging was done in the best possible way. Has been using the oven since purchased and it is working well. It is suitable for a small family of 2-3 and occupies little space in the kitchen. Lookswise also, it is classy. I am very happy with the product and would recommend for small families.	Best otg in this price: Amazing product for grill and heat up your meal.

Agaro offers top-quality OTG ovens in India that cater to versatile cooking at a competitive price range. Visit its official website to buy its products easily.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of making paneer tikka in OTG opens a world of delightful possibilities for your culinary journey & OTG recipes veg.  By combining the right ingredients, mastering essential techniques, and choosing a superior oven like the Agaro OTG, you can elevate this classic dish to extraordinary heights, leaving a lasting impression on your guests and loved ones with your culinary finesse. 

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen paneer for making paneer tikka in OTG?

Yes, you can use frozen paneer, but it is recommended to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating to ensure better absorption of flavors.

Q: Can I make paneer tikka in OTG without skewers?

Yes, you can place the marinated paneer and vegetables directly on a greased baking tray in the OTG for a skewer-free version of the dish.

Q: What is the best marination time for paneer tikka in OTG?

Marinate the paneer and vegetables for at least 1-2 hours before grilling in the OTG for optimal flavor. Longer marination times can enhance the taste further.