Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

About Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a popular North Indian dish that consists of two key components Paneer Tikka and Masala Gravy. Here’s a brief overview of each:

• • Paneer Tikka: Paneer cubes are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The marinated paneer is typically skewered and grilled or baked until it’s smoky and slightly charred, giving it a unique flavour. It’s a standalone dish known as Paneer Tikka, often served as an appetizer.

• • Masala Gravy: A rich tomato-based gravy is prepared with aromatic spices, cream, and sometimes cashew paste to create a luscious sauce. The smoky paneer tikka is simmered in this gravy, infusing it with flavour and making it Paneer Tikka Masala.
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How to Make Paneer Tikka Masala

Now, let’s dive into the culinary adventure of making Paneer Tikka Masala at home. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes

1/2 cup thick yogurt

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons oil

Skewers (if grilling)

Chopped cilantro for garnish

Additionally you can use of Ma spices Paneer Tikka Masala for authentic taste.

Steps to make Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

1) Marinate the Paneer

In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, and oil.

Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2) Grill or Bake the Paneer

Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).

Thread marinated paneer cubes onto skewers (if grilling).

Grill or bake the paneer until it is slightly charred and cooked through, turning occasionally.

3) Prepare the Masala Gravy

Heat some oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté until they splutter.

Add tomato puree and cook until it thickens and the oil separates.

Add red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

4) Combine Paneer and Gravy

Add the grilled paneer to the masala gravy and simmer for a few minutes. Optionally, add cream or cashew paste to make the gravy creamier.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Serve hot with naan, roti or rice.

5) Dungar (Smoking the Dish)

To elevate your Paneer Tikka Masala to restaurant-quality, you can add a smoky flavour using a technique called “Dungar.”

Here is how to do it

Prepare the Paneer Tikka Masala as usual but leave out the garnish. Heat a small piece of charcoal until it is red hot. Place a small metal or heat-resistant bowl in the middle of the cooked Paneer Tikka Masala in the pan. Put the hot charcoal in the small bowl. Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee over the charcoal. Immediately cover the pan with a lid.

Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to infuse the dish with a smoky aroma.

Remove the charcoal bowl and discard it.