Paneer Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and flavorful vegetarian dish that has gained immense popularity in Indian cuisine. This iconic dish features chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a luscious, spiced tomato gravy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving comfort food, Paneer Tikka Masala is an excellent choice that is both satisfying and delicious. Here’s a simple recipe that will help you prepare this crowd-pleaser at home.
Ingredients:
For the Paneer Tikka Marinade:
- 250 grams of paneer (cubed)
- 3 tablespoons of thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter
For the Tikka Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of oil or butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh cream or cashew paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Paneer
Start by preparing the paneer for the tikka marinade. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth marinade. Gently add the cubed paneer pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the paneer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Grill or Pan-Fry the Paneer
Once the paneer is well-marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can either grill the paneer pieces in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry them in a non-stick skillet with a little oil or butter. Cook the paneer pieces until they are lightly browned and slightly charred on the edges. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
3. Prepare the Tikka Masala Gravy
While the paneer is being grilled or cooked, you can prepare the masala gravy. Heat oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala and the gravy thickens. Season with salt according to your taste.
4. Combine the Gravy and Paneer
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the grilled or pan-fried paneer pieces into the prepared gravy. Gently stir to coat the paneer in the masala sauce. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
5. Finishing Touches
Add the fresh cream (or cashew paste for a vegan version) to the gravy and stir well to create a creamy, rich texture. Sprinkle kasuri methi over the dish and give it a final stir. The dried fenugreek leaves will add an authentic aroma and flavor to the dish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your Paneer Tikka Masala is now ready to serve! This dish goes beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. You can also serve it with a side of raita or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Tips for the Perfect Paneer Tikka Masala:
- Use fresh paneer for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using it in the recipe.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder and garam masala in the recipe.
- For a smoky flavor, you can use the “dhungar” method. Simply heat a small piece of charcoal until it’s red hot, place it in a bowl, and place it inside the marinated paneer. Drizzle a little ghee over the charcoal and cover the bowl for a few minutes to let the smoke infuse the paneer with a smoky aroma.
- For a richer gravy, use a combination of cream and cashew paste, which will make the sauce more decadent.
Paneer Tikka Masala is a wonderful vegetarian dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. With its smoky, spiced paneer combined with a creamy, aromatic gravy, it’s sure to please the taste buds of anyone who loves Indian cuisine. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish right at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth it brings to your meals!
