Paneer tikka masala is a classic Indian dish that is a favorite among vegetarians. The dish is made up of marinated cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) that are cooked in a tandoor or grilled and then added to a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is usually garnished with fresh cilantro and served with naan bread or rice.
Paneer tikka masala is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by vegetarians and meat lovers alike. It is a popular restaurant dish and is also easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. Paneer tikka masala is a vegetarian dish that is hearty and satisfying, making it an excellent alternative for those who do not eat meat.
Although it may seem like a complicated dish, paneer tikka masala is relatively easy to prepare, and can be made in the comfort of your own home with just a few simple ingredients. This is a delicious and hearty dish that is packed with flavor and is perfect for anyone who loves Indian food
Overall, people love paneer tikka masala because it is a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile dish that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves Indian cuisine.
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala:
Paneer Tikka:
- 500g Paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup hung curd (yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Ingredients for Masala:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions for paneer tikka masala:
- In a bowl, mix the hung curd with ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and oil. Add the paneer cubes and mix well, ensuring that each cube is coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers and place them on a baking tray lined with foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the paneer is lightly charred.
- Heat oil in a pan, add the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the cumin seeds and fry until they splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and fry until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
- Add the tomato puree, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and a little water. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the masala thickens.
- Add the cream and mix well. Add the paneer tikka and mix gently. Simmer for a few minutes until the paneer tikka is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Enjoy your delicious homemade paneer tikka masala!
Tips and variations
Tips:
- Use homemade paneer for the best taste and texture.
- Hang the curd (yogurt) in a muslin cloth for at least 2-3 hours to remove excess water and make it thick.
- You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned tomato puree to make the masala.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
- You can add vegetables like capsicum (bell peppers) and onion to the paneer tikka for added flavor and nutrition.
Variations:
- Make it vegan: Replace paneer with tofu and use vegan yogurt and cream instead of dairy-based products.
- Make it healthier: Use low-fat yogurt and cream, and reduce the amount of oil used for cooking.
- Make it spicier: Add more red chili powder or green chili paste to the marinade and masala.
- Make it nuttier: Add some cashew nut paste to the masala for a rich and creamy texture.
- Make it tangier: Add some lemon juice or amchur (dry mango powder) to the marinade and masala for a tangy flavor.
- Make it smokier: Use a charcoal grill instead of an oven to cook the paneer tikka, or add some smoked paprika to the marinade and masala for a smoky flavor.
Serving suggestions
- With naan or roti: Serve paneer tikka masala with freshly made naan or roti, which are traditional Indian breads. They complement the dish well and can be used to scoop up the creamy sauce.
- With rice: It can also be served with steamed basmati rice, which is a popular choice. The rice helps to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
- With salad: For a lighter option, serve the dish with a simple salad of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The freshness of the salad is a great complement to the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.
- With raita: Raita is a traditional Indian side dish made from yogurt, cucumber, and spices. It helps to cool down the spiciness of the recipe and adds a refreshing flavor to the meal.
- With chutney: The Dish can also be served with various types of chutney, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or mango chutney. These condiments add an extra burst of flavor to the dish.
FAQs
- Can I make paneer tikka masala without a tandoor oven?
Yes, you can make paneer tikka masala in a regular oven or on a stovetop grill pan. Simply marinate the paneer cubes in the spice mixture, then grill them until they are charred on the outside and cooked through.
- What are the health benefits?
Paneer tikka masala is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. However, it is also high in fat and calories due to the use of cream and oil in the recipe, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- How spicy is paneer tikka masala?
The spiciness can vary depending on the amount of chili powder or other spices used in the recipe. Typically, it is a mildly spicy dish that can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences.
- How long does paneer tikka masala last?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Paneer tikka masala recipe
Paneer tikka masala is a popular Indian dish made with marinated pieces of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) that are grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce with spices and herbs.
Ingredients
Paneer Tikka:
- 500g Paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup hung curd (yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Masala:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the hung curd with ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and oil. Add the paneer cubes and mix well, ensuring that each cube is coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers and place them on a baking tray lined with foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the paneer is lightly charred.
- Heat oil in a pan, add the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the cumin seeds and fry until they splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and fry until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
- Add the tomato puree, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and a little water. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the masala thickens.
- Add the cream and mix well. Add the paneer tikka and mix gently. Simmer for a few minutes until the paneer tikka is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade paneer tikka masala!
Nutrition
| Calories | 400-500kcal |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Sodium |
600-800mg
|
| Suger |
5-10g
|
| Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fiber |
2-3g
|