Delicious Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. What is Paneer Tikka Masala?
Paneer Tikka Masala is a delicious North Indian dish that is made with marinated paneer cubes that are grilled or baked and then cooked in a creamy tomato-based masala sauce. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka masala, which is a popular non-vegetarian dish in India. Paneer Tikka Masala is a perfect blend of spices, tangy tomatoes, and creamy yogurt.
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2. Ingredients Required
To make Paneer Tikka Masala, you will need the following ingredients:
For Paneer Tikka
- 400 grams paneer
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
For Masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
3. How to Prepare Paneer Tikka
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and oil.
- Add the paneer cubes, onion, and bell pepper to the bowl and mix well to coat all the pieces with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the marinated paneer cubes, onions, and bell pepper on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. If you prefer, you can also grill the paneer and vegetables on a skewer.
4. How to Prepare the Masala
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves, and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the masala is thick and the oil starts to separate from the sides.
- Add the heavy cream and mix well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and set the masala aside.
5. Bringing it All Together: Preparing Paneer Tikka Masala
- Add the paneer tikka to the masala and mix well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the paneer tikka is well-coated with the masala.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
6. Tips for Making the Perfect Paneer Tikka Masala
- Use fresh paneer for the best taste and texture.
- Marinate the paneer and vegetables for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
- Use a non-stick pan or baking sheet for baking the paneer and vegetables to prevent sticking.
- Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the masala to get a thick and flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
7. Conclusion
Paneer Tikka Masala is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who love a bit of heat. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make restaurant-style Paneer Tikka Masala at home. So, give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this North Indian delicacy.
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