Paneer Tikka Masala

If there is one Indian Curry recipe that is world famous, that is the Paneer Tikka Masala. Very similar to the Paneer Butter masala. But the tikka masala has smoky flavor thanks to the grilling of the marinated Paneer with spices and yogurt. It has a whole of grilled vegetables like onion and peppers to elevate the taste and the texture in the curry.

A famous dish from the North Indian, specifically Punjabi Cuisine this dish is so very to make. Like all the recipes, getting the basics is important and once you master it, you can apply the knowledge to customize and create more new ones.

This recipe is simple, provided you are able to source the ingredients like the fresh paneer[Homemade is awesome too!] and the spices.

No need to mention this, but the masala goes really well with Naan bread or rice or rotis. The best and fulfilling meal.

The recipe involves 4 major steps

• Marinating the Paneer and vegetables with yogurt and spices.
• Making the curry base by pureeing sauteed onions, tomatoes and cashews with spices
• Grilling the marinated paneer.
• Bringing them all together into a curry.

Here I want to tell you, there is no replacing the butter and cashew here!! The taste is not the same with the substitutes. Another important thing you want to make this dish are KASOOR METHI – dried Fenugreek leaves. A crushed sprinkle of these leaves are the most flavorsome herb I have come across in Indian Cooking – better than any other fresh herb.

Now that we have covered the major ingredients above, there are some more spices you need for this recipe – like the Garam masala, cloves and cinnamon bark, ginger garlic paste etc.,

May look daunting, but trust me, this is easier and even if you think it is difficult the result will be worth it. Because the recipe is fail proof!

I have grouped the ingredients and steps so it is very easier to follow.

No need to wait anymore.. Let’s get on with the recipe!

Paneer Tikka Masala

Parveen’s Kitchen

Paneer tikka masala is an Indian dish of marinated paneer cheese served in a spiced gravy.

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Marinating Time 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Course Breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl to marinate paneer and vegetables
• Blender to make the tomato puree
• Griddle pan or skewers or baking tray to grill the marinated paneer
• Pan to make the masala

Ingredients

  

For the Paneer Tikka

• 200 Grams Fresh Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese, cubed into large pieces
• 1 Large Onion Peeled and cut into chunks, similar to the paneer
• 1 cup De-seeded Green/Red/Yellow Peppers Same size as Paneer Cubes
• 3/4 Cup Thick Yogurt
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 3/4 tsp Salt Adjust as per taste
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice Freshly Squeezed, if possible
• 3 tsp Olive Oil To grill

To Saute and puree – Makes 1 large Cup

• 1 Large Onion sliced
• 3 Large Tomatoes Cut into pieces
• 1/4 Cup Cashews About 50 grams
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tsp Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 tsp Olive Oil

For the curry

• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Whole spices – Clove, cinnamon bark Break the bark into smaller pieces if too big
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1 cup Sauteed Puree Steps above
• 1/2` tsp Salt Adjust as per taste as puree has salt too
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
• 2 cups water Adjust as required to thin the gravy
• Grilled Paneer and Vegetables From above steps
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cream Reserve some to drizzle on the pan
• 1 tap Kasoor Methi Dried Fenugreek Leaves

To Serve

• Naan Bread or Rice

Instructions

 

Make the Paneer Tikka

• Add all the ingredients for the tikka except the oil and marinate for half an hour at least or overnight in fridge
• When ready to grill, heat a griddle and add the marinated paneer & vegetable[Use Skewers if you want]. Grill on all sides with some olive oil brushed on the pan until they are slightly crispy and charred
• OR You can also bake the marinated paneer & vegetables at 200 degrees Celsius for 12 -15 minutes
• OR you can airfry them skewered or just spread in the basket for 8-10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius
• Serve them with mint chutney or use for the gravy, as you like

Saute and Puree the gravy base

• Add all the puree ingredients in a pan and saute well until the onions are soft
• Let it cool
• When the sauteed ingredients are warm enough to be blended, puree them in a food processor or stick blender or mixer grinder

Paneer Tikka Masala – The Curry

• In a large pan, heat oil and butter
• Add the whole spices and the ginger garlic paste. Saute well
• Add the pureed base
• Add the salt, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala and mix well
• Add 1 cup of water and bring it to boil, Adjust salt and water as needed to suit taste and thickness of the gravy
• Add the grilled tikka and cook for a minute in high
• Add the crushed Kasoor methi, 2 tablespoon of cream and mix well.
• Simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes
• Drizzle fresh cream and add some more kasoor methi on top when you serve
• Serve hot with Naan or Rice

Notes

1. No substitutes if you want authentic taste
2. Kasoor Methi is an important ingredient, do not miss it
3. Add bay leaves to the whole spices if you like
4. Grill the paneer and vegetables until slightly charred to enhance the smoky flavor
5. Serve hot with buttery Naan – Helps you enjoy all the goodness and flavor in every bite.

Keyword Curry, indian curry, Paneer tikka masala, vegan, Vegetarian curry