Paneer Shashlik: The Perfect Dish For Sharing

We might have adopted Shashlik as our own since they are so similar in nature to kebabs, they actually originated in Central Asia and go back as far as Roman times. Even today it’s a hugely popular picnic food in  Central Asia, the Caucasus, and even Russia. They’re also known as Shish Kebabs and are traditionally made with a variety of marinated meats being grilled over hot coals. The simplicity of the dish made it widely appealing and by the late 19th century it was a favourite in the streets of St. Petersburg and has made it all across the world. 

Though it’s traditionally made with lamb or goat meat these days it can also be made with pork, chicken beef and even paneer or tofu for a vegetarian spin. The process usually includes marinating the protein in a yoghurt or vinegar sauce to infuse it with flavour and then they’re loaded up onto skewers and cooked over hot coals or an open wood fire until slightly charter. 

Vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, tomato, or mushrooms are often added to the skewer to create a variety of flavours. Additionally, flatbreads or rice are usually served with it, depending on the region. A shashlik grill is a great way to gather with friends and family in local parks and outdoor areas since shashlik is a popular food among large families. In the modem interpretation, we’re skipping the coals and open fire for a more convenient stovetop grill but you can also bake it in an oven or use an air fryer to achieve a similar result. 

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1tbsp Oregano
  • ½ tsp Chilli powder
  • ½ tsp Jeera Powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
  • ¼ tsp Pepper
  • Chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp Corn Flour
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Paneer Shashlik

  • 200g Paneer- chopped in large cubes
  • 2 Bell peppers- chopped in large cubes
  • 1 onion- chopped in large cubes

Method

  • Make the marinade by mixing together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  • Chop up the paneer, peppers and onions and mix with the marinade, let it sit for 3-4 hours
  • On a hot grill, cook the veggies and paneer with some oil until golden brown
  • Enjoy as a snack or with rice.