Paneer Shawarma Wrap – Indian Fusion

Step 1: Prepare Paneer Marinade

In a glass dish, add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli, 1 tsp carrom seeds, 1 tsp chaat masala, 1 tsp garam masala, 3 tsp coriander powder, 300 gm curd, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, and a pinch of kasuri methi. Mix all ingredients well with a whisk until a smooth, orange marinade is formed.

Step 2: Prepare Paneer for Marination

Take 300 gm paneer. Pierce the paneer blocks with a fork on both sides to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Marinate Paneer

Coat the pierced paneer blocks thoroughly with the prepared marinade. Ensure all sides are well covered. Keep the marinated paneer aside for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Shawarma Sauce

In a pan, add 2 tbsp white sesame seeds. Roast them on a low flame for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer the roasted sesame seeds to a grinder. Add 5-6 garlic cloves and 1 tsp olive oil. Blend until a smooth, thick sauce is formed.

Step 5: Prepare Pickled Salad

In a bowl, combine sliced onions and beetroot. Pour vinegar over them and mix well. Let it sit for a few minutes to pickle.

Step 6: Fry/Grill Marinated Paneer

Heat a tawa or fry pan and add oil. Once hot, place the marinated paneer blocks on the pan. Fry/grill the paneer on low to medium flame until both sides are golden brown and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 7: Cut Paneer

Once grilled, remove the paneer from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut the paneer into rectangular pieces or strips.

Step 8: Heat Tortilla/Roti

Heat a homemade roti, paratha, or readymade tortilla on the tawa with a little oil until warm and slightly soft.

Step 9: Assemble the Shawarma Wrap

Lay the warm tortilla on a food wrap paper. Spread a generous amount of the prepared shawarma sauce evenly over the tortilla. Add a layer of tandoori mayonnaise. Place fresh lettuce leaves, then arrange the grilled paneer pieces. Top with the prepared pickled salad. Drizzle white mayonnaise and red chilli sauce over the fillings. Carefully roll and wrap the tortilla tightly.

Step 10: Serve

Your paneer shawarma wrap is ready to be served immediately.

• For best results, marinate the paneer for at least 1 hour, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.

• Adjust the spice levels in the marinade and sauces according to your preference.

• Ensure the sesame seeds are roasted on a low flame to prevent burning and achieve a nutty flavor for the shawarma sauce.

• Replace paneer with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

• Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or cucumbers to the wrap.

• Experiment with different sauces like hummus or a spicy chili garlic sauce.