Paneer Tikka Masala | Paneer Tikka Masala Gravy

Paneer Tikka Masala | Paneer Tikka Masala Gravy 

Paneer tikka masala (पनीर टिक्का मसाला) is a delicious, rich and creamy dish that is very popular in Indian cuisine. This restaurant style paneer tikka masala is prepared with grilled paneer and veggies that are simmered in gravy. This recipe is enhanced with cashew paste and cream. This can be easily prepared at home.

Marinated paneer cubes and veggies are grilled in oven or stove top to make paneer tikka. Grilling or sautéing process makes paneer cubes full of smoky flavor. Paneer tikka is a popular and everyone’s favorite snack. Paneer cubes and veggies like onion, tomato and capsicum are marinated in curd along with spices like turmeric powder, degi mirch, coriander powder and garam masala for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Degi mirch gives a nice colour to paneer and veggies. 

This paneer tikka is sautéed in onion tomato based gravy. So many Indian spices like turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala makes this recipe aromatic. The addition of kasuri merhi give it a nice flavor. Cashew paste plays an important role to make gravy thick. Cream or malai makes this dish richer and creamier. 

In restaurants paneer tikka masala is served with tandoori roti or naan. This recipe goes well with roti, paratha or even jeera rice. You can serve this dish on any special occasion or for dinner party.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka-

200 gm. paneer
salt to taste
1/2 cup hung curd
1/2 tsp. kasuri methi
1 tsp. degi mirch
1/4 tsp. garam masala powder
1 tbsp. lime juice
2 tbsp. mustard oil
1 medium size tomato, cut into cubes
1 capsicum, cut into cubes
1 onion, cut into cubes

For ginger garlic paste-

7-8 garlic cloves
1 inch ginger
5 black peppercorn
1 small green chilli

For Paneer Tikka Masala-

2 tbsp. mustard oil
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds (jeera)
2 onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste
1 tsp. degi mirch
1 tsp. coriander powder
1/4 tsp. garam masala powder

Instructions:

Making paneer tikka-

To make ginger garlic paste, grind garlic cloves, ginger, black pepper and green chilli. Keep aside.
Cut paneer into cubes. Cut onion and capsicum into cubes. Cut tomato in between and remove the pulp, then chop into cubes.
Take hung curd in a bowl. Crush kasuri methi between your palm and add into curd.

Add degi mirch, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, mustard oil and salt.

Whisk well to make a smooth paste.

Add cubed capsicum, tomato, onion and paneer. Mix gently to coat all cubes. Don’t break them.
Keep this aside for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes grill them in oven or on stovetop pan. Keep aside.

Making paneer tikka masala-

In a pan add oil and heat on medium flame. Add cumin seeds. When they crackles, add chopped onion. Sauté till they become translucent.

Add ginger garlic paste and mix.

Add chopped tomatoes and cook till they become soft.

Add degi mirch, coriander powder, garam masala and turmeric powder. Sauté for some seconds.

Add green chili and sauté for some seconds.

Add 1 cup cashew paste and ¾ cup water.

Add cream and mix properly.

Add grilled paneer and veggies. Mix gently. Add salt and mix.

Crush kasuri methi between your palm and add.

Add ½ cup more water and lemon juice. Mix well.

Cook for 2 minutes.

Garnish with some coriander leaves.

Your paneer butter masala is ready to serve. Enjoy with lachcha paratha.

Tips:

• Use fresh hung curd. 
• You may add veggies for paneer tikka according to your preference.
• You may change the consistency of gravy according to your taste.
• Don’t forget to add lemon juice. It gives an amazing tangy flavor.

Try other paneer recipes:

Paneer pasanda

Paneer butter masala

Paneer makhani