Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

 Ingredients

To make paneer tikka masala, you will need the following ingredients:

250 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes

1 cup of yogurt

1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 teaspoon of red chili powder

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

1 teaspoon of garam masala

1 teaspoon of cumin powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons of cooking oil

2 onions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, pureed

1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes

1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes

1/2 cup of fresh cream

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Marinating the Paneer

In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.

Add ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.

Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the paneer marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Preparing the Sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates.

Add the remaining spices (red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder) and salt. Cook the sauce for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Stir in the fresh cream and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Cooking the Paneer Tikka

Heat a grill pan or a non-stick pan with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.

Place the marinated paneer cubes on the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop grill marks.

Remove the paneer cubes from the pan and set them aside.

Assembling the Dish

In the same pan, heat the prepared sauce over medium heat.

Add the grilled paneer cubes, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Mix gently to coat the paneer and vegetables with the sauce.

Cover the pan and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer tikka masala can be served hot and is best enjoyed with naan bread or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought paneer for convenience. However, homemade paneer has a fresher taste and better texture.

2. Can I make paneer tikka masala ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the paneer tikka and the sauce in advance. Simply assemble and heat the dish before serving.

3. Can I substitute paneer with tofu?

Yes, if you prefer a vegan version or want to experiment with different flavors, you can substitute paneer with tofu.

4. How spicy is paneer tikka masala?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and garam masala accordingly.

5. What other vegetables can I add to the dish?

Apart from bell peppers, you can add onions, mushrooms, or even boiled potatoes to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.