Paneer Kebabs with Spicy Zhoug Sauce
- Prep15 mins
- Cook12 mins
- Total27 mins
- Servings4 kebabs
- Ingredients14
The spelling is different, but the pronunciation is easy: “zoog” sauce. Zhoug is a delightfully bright green fresh dipping sauce with plenty of heat. It’s easy to make and simply delicious drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables. It’s common in Middle Eastern dishes. We paired it up with mild paneer and fresh local bell peppers for a massive “wow” factor.
Trouble finding paneer?
It’s not always out there, as traditionalists often make it at home. Substitute with a very firm tofu or halloumi. Or thread cubed chicken onto skewers. Everything tastes delicious with Zhoug.
Paneer Kebabs with Spicy Zhoug Sauce
- Prep15 mins
- Cook12 mins
- Total27 mins
- Servings4 kebabs
- Ingredients14
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 mL) packed cilantro leaves
- 1 cup (250 mL) packed parsley leaves
- 1 to 3 large jalapenos, seeded (depending on your heat preference)
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice, plus extra
- 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) kosher salt
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 10 oz (300 g) pkg paneer, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- Wooden kebab skewers, soaked in water for an hour
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
Nutrition
Per serving:
- Calories313
- Protein11g
- Fat28g
- Saturated Fat3g
- Trans Fat0g
- Carbohydrates7g
- Sugars3g
- Fibre3g
- Sodium303mg
Directions
01
In food processor, combine cilantro and parsley. Seed jalapenos, if you wish, but for added heat include them, starting with 1 jalapeno and adding more, depending on your heat tolerance. Add garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Continue to pulse, adding oil very slowly to incorporate. Depending on how loose you’d like the mixture, add a little more oil, if you wish. Add more lemon, if you wish. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
02
Thread paneer and vegetables onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush kebabs with olive oil to avoid them drying out during baking. On parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange skewers in single layer. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Be sure oven is thoroughly preheated.
03
Place baking tray with kebabs in centre of preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Turn skewers over, then turn oven on to broil. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to slightly char. Be careful not to overbake or paneer will be tough. Remove and serve with dollops of Zhoug sauce. Beautiful eye candy with plenty of flavourful heat!
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
