Republic Day 2026 Recipe: This 26th January, let your patriotism sizzle on the grill! Move beyond the flag hoisting and parade watching, and celebrate the spirit of our Republic with a dish that’s as vibrant as our nation. Introducing Tiranga Paneer Tikka – a fun, delicious, and visually stunning twist on the classic appetizer, painting the colours of our national flag on your plate. It’s more than just food; it’s an edible tribute, perfect for sparking joy and conversation at your Republic Day gathering. Simple to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is your ticket to a memorable culinary celebration.
Ingredients
- For the Paneer & Marinade Base:
- 400 grams paneer, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup thick, fresh curd (dahi)
- 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons kashmiri red chilli powder (for colour, not heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Oil for brushing
- For the Tricolour Magic:
- Saffron Layer: 2 tablespoons ready-made tikha (red) paneer tikka masala OR 1 tbsp kashmiri chilli powder + ½ tsp paprika.
- White Layer: 2 tablespoons fresh malai (cream) or thick hung curd.
- Green Layer: 2 tablespoons finely pureed fresh coriander and mint leaves (hara dhania-pudina) with 1 green chilli.
- For Skewering: Bell peppers (capsicum) – red, yellow, and green, cut into squares. Onion squares (optional).
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, whisk the fresh curd until smooth. Add besan, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix into a lump-free, creamy marinade.
2. Create the Three Armies: Divide the marinade equally into three separate bowls.
* Bowl 1 (Saffron): Mix in the red tikka masala or chilli powder-paprika mix.
* Bowl 2 (White): Gently fold in the fresh malai or hung curd.
* Bowl 3 (Green): Mix in the fresh green coriander-mint puree.
3. Marinate the Paneer: Divide your paneer cubes into three equal portions. Coat one portion in the saffron marinade, one in the white, and the last in the green. Cover and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. For best results, refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Skewer with Pride: Take long skewers. Start by threading a piece of green marinated paneer, followed by a piece of green bell pepper. Next, add a piece of white marinated paneer and a yellow pepper. Finish with a piece of saffron marinated paneer and a red pepper. Repeat the pattern.
5. Cook to Perfection: You can grill these on a preheated oven (200°C for 15-20 mins), air-fry (180°C for 12-15 mins), or cook on a stovetop tawa/grill pan. Brush lightly with oil and cook until each side has beautiful, slightly charred marks.
6. Serve with Spirit: Garnish with a sprinkle of chaat masala and lemon wedges. Serve these sizzling, colourful skewers hot with mint chutney, embodying the flavours of India in every patriotic bite!
This Republic Day, let your taste buds salute the nation. Happy 26th January 2026
Also Read: Bake the Tricolor: 5 Desserts to Celebrate Republic Day 2026 in Style
My Name is Ravi Sharma, I cover Articles related to Baking, Recipes, Cake Design, Toppers and Many More. I have more than 2 Years of Experience in Writing Food and Baking Article.