Tacos and Flatbreads
Easy Smoky Paneer Tikka Quesadillas Recipe
This fusion recipe utilizes the Mexican form of a toasted quesadilla to carry the bold, smoky spice logic of a classic Indian tandoori marinade. Toasted whole cumin and coriander seeds elevate the paneer, which is seared to perfection and melted between layers of gooey Monterey Jack cheese.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 540 kcal
Method
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chili powder, whole cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and kasuri methi. Add the cubed paneer and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated paneer cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and golden. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, quickly sauté the onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes until they just begin to soften but still have a bite. Remove and set aside.
Wipe the pan clean and lower the heat to medium. Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle half of the tortilla with a generous layer of cheese, followed by a portion of the tandoori paneer and sautéed vegetables.
Fold the tortilla in half over the filling. Press down with a spatula to ensure the cheese melts and binds the ingredients together. Cook for 2 minutes per side until the tortilla is crispy and brown.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with a side of mint chutney or sour cream.
Notes
Crushing the whole coriander seeds releases essential oils that provide a much deeper citrus-pine aroma than pre-ground powder.
Do not over-marinate the paneer for more than 4 hours, or the yogurt acids may make the texture too soft.
For an extra smoky flavor, you can use the dhungar method: place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl inside the marinade container, drizzle with oil, and cover for 5 minutes.
Use a cast-iron skillet if available to get the most authentic 'tandoori' char on the paneer cubes.
