Vegan Paneer Tikka Roll
The Vegan Paneer Tikka Roll is a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic Indian dish. Instead of traditional paneer cheese, this recipe uses marinated and grilled tofu skewers, creating a delicious and protein-packed filling for a roll. Combined with sliced bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, this roll is a burst of colors and flavors.
INGREDIENTS
For the Vegan Paneer Tikka:
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt (soy or almond yogurt works well)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers or toothpicks for grilling
For the Roll Assembly:
- 4 large whole wheat or spinach tortillas
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup sliced red onions
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Vegan mint-cilantro chutney or vegan yogurt sauce for drizzling
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Vegan Paneer Tikka:
In a bowl, combine the dairy-free yogurt, tomato paste, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, paprika or chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
Add the cubed tofu to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or longer if possible.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated tofu cubes onto skewers or toothpicks.
Grill the tofu skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop grill marks and become slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
To Assemble the Roll:
Lay out each tortilla on a clean surface.
Place a portion of the grilled tofu skewers on each tortilla.
Add sliced bell peppers, sliced red onions, and sliced cucumbers on top of the tofu.
Drizzle with vegan mint-cilantro chutney or vegan yogurt sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the ingredients for extra flavor (optional).
Carefully fold in the sides of each tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom, creating a roll.
Slice the rolls in half diagonally if desired and serve.
TIPS
- Customize your roll with your favorite vegetables or herbs, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or fresh mint leaves.
- You can use store-bought vegan mint-cilantro chutney or make your own by blending fresh mint, cilantro, green chilies, garlic, and yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Experiment with different types of vegan yogurt to find your preferred flavor and consistency for the marinade.
- Grill the tofu skewers to your preferred level of char and smokiness.
- Serve the roll with a side of vegan raita or pickled onions for added flavor and cooling contrast.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 300-350 (approximate values)
- Protein: 12-14g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 6-8g
- Fat: 16-18g
- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.
