Paneer Tikka Masala, a beloved Indian dish, offers a delightful blend of creamy, rich sauce and succulent, marinated paneer (Indian cheese). This iconic recipe transcends cultural boundaries, captivating taste buds with its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. The perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, fragrant spices like garam masala and turmeric, and the subtle sweetness of onions creates a culinary masterpiece. Forget takeout; you'll be surprised how easy it is to recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.
This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring your Paneer Tikka Masala is both incredibly flavorful and visually appealing. From preparing the perfectly marinated paneer to creating a luscious, deeply flavored sauce, we'll guide you through each step. Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process.
Tools Needed
- bowl
- whisk
- grill pan
- skewer sticks
- steel cup
- deep pan
Ingredients
- Paneer (fresh): 400g
- Mustard oil: 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Kashmir red chili powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Cumin powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Pepper powder: 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala powder: 1 tsp
- Chat masala powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Fresh curd (whisked): 1 cup
- Lemon juice: 1/2 lemon
- Gram flour (besan): 1/4 cup
- Kasuri methi leaves: a few
- Capsicum: 1
- Tomato: 1
- Onion: 1 large
- Charcoal
- Ghee: 1 tsp + 3 tbsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Cinnamon: 1 piece
- Cardamom: 1
- Cloves: a few
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Onions (finely chopped): 3 large
- Tomatoes (pureed): 3 large
- Water: 1 cup
- Fresh coriander leaves: finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare Paneer
- Add hot mustard oil, spices (turmeric, chili, cumin, coriander, pepper, garam masala, chat masala, salt), ginger-garlic paste, curd, lemon juice, gram flour, and kasuri methi leaves to a bowl. Mix well and add water to adjust consistency.
- Cut paneer into large pieces. Add paneer, capsicum, tomato, and onion wedges to the marinade. Mix well to coat.
Step 2. Infuse Smoky Flavor & Grill
- Heat charcoal, place it in a steel cup in the marinade bowl, pour ghee over, and cover for 5 minutes.
- Thread tomato, onion, paneer, and capsicum onto skewers.
- Heat a grill pan, brush with ghee, and grill skewers, turning frequently, until cooked through.
Step 3. Prepare the Tikka Masala Sauce
- Heat oil and ghee in a pan. Add whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin seeds) and saute until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and saute until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and spice powders (turmeric, chili, cumin, coriander, salt).
- Add tomato puree and cook until the raw smell disappears and oil separates (about 15 minutes).
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add water to adjust gravy consistency, garam masala powder, and the grilled paneer and vegetables. Mix well.
- Finish with kasuri methi leaves and fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Using a whisk makes mixing the marinade easier and prevents lumps.
- Cut paneer into large pieces for easier grilling.
- Gently mix the marinade to ensure all pieces are coated.
- Turn the paneer and vegetables frequently while grilling for even cooking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen paneer?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating. Frozen paneer can be slightly more prone to crumbling.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor, or full-fat yogurt for a tangier taste. Adjust the amount based on your preferred consistency.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water at the end of cooking.
With this recipe, you can now confidently recreate the rich and flavorful Paneer Tikka Masala you love from your favorite restaurants. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!