Tikka (food)

Tikka (Food)

Tikka is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, typically made by marinating pieces of meat or vegetables in a mixture of spices and yogurt, then grilling or baking them on skewers. The word "tikka" means "bits" or "pieces" in Hindi.

History

The origins of Tikka can be traced back to the Mughal Empire, which ruled over India from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The dish was likely influenced by the kebabs of Central Asia, which were brought to India by the Mughals.

Preparation

The first step in making Tikka is to prepare the marinade. This usually involves mixing together yogurt, lemon juice, and a variety of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The meat or vegetables are then coated in the marinade and left to sit for several hours, or even overnight.

Once the marinating process is complete, the meat or vegetables are threaded onto skewers and cooked. This can be done in a traditional tandoor oven, on a grill, or in a conventional oven.

Variations

There are many variations of Tikka, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular include:

• Chicken Tikka: This is perhaps the most well-known version of Tikka. It is made with boneless pieces of chicken that are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked.

• Paneer Tikka: This vegetarian version of Tikka is made with paneer, a type of Indian cheese. The paneer is marinated in a similar manner to the chicken, then grilled or baked.

• Fish Tikka: In this version, fish is used instead of meat. The fish is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked.

Serving

Tikka is typically served with a side of naan (Indian bread) and a variety of condiments such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or raita (a yogurt-based sauce). It can also be served on a bed of basmati rice.

See Also

• Indian Cuisine
• Tandoori Chicken
• Kebab

References

• Indian Food: A Historical Companion
• The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking
• Classic Indian Cooking