How to Make Paneer Tikka Masala at Home
Paneer Tikka Masala (Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka) is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine. The combination of crispy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) pieces marinated in a delicious blend of spices and yogurt followed by a rich, creamy and spicy gravy is definitely a hit with everyone. This dish is often served in Indian restaurants and is loved for its comforting texture and tangy flavor. But what makes it special is that you can easily make this dish at home with simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
Here, we will learn about How to Make Paneer Tikka Masala. We will divide the process into two main parts: how to prepare marination for Paneer Tikka and how to make the masala gravy for Paneer Tikka. Follow this Spicy Paneer Masala Recipe, and you will be able to easily make a restaurant style paneer tikka masala at home that is sure to impress your family and guests!
What are Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Before we proceed further with this recipe, let us gather the ingredients for marinated paneer.
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Marination:
- Paneer (cottage cheese): 250 grams
- Curd: 3/4 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Kasuri methi: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: as per taste
- Oil or melted butter: 1 tbsp
For the Grilling Paneer Tikka:
- Oil: To grease the grilling tray or pan.
You can also grill the marinated paneer in a tandoor or oven. Alternatively, you can also use a grill pan or stovetop. Here we want to achieve a crispy and smoky texture, so make sure to do this step.
What are Ingredients to Make Masala Paneer Gravy
For the gravy, we will prepare a rich, creamy and spicy tomato-based sauce. It requires the following ingredients:
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
- Green chilli: 1, chopped
- Cashews or melon seeds: 8-10
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Red chilli powder: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh cream: 2 tbsp
- Coriander leaves: finely chopped
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Butter or oil: 1 tbsp
- Kasuri methi: 1/2 tsp
Step-by-Step Recipe to Making Paneer Tikka Masala Sabji
Part 1: Preparing Paneer Tikka
- Cut the Paneer: First, start by cutting the paneer into medium-sized cubes (about 1.5-inch cubes). If you wish, you can use larger pieces or rectangular shapes of paneer. The paneer should not be too soft, so if you are using homemade paneer, make sure it is pressed well to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice and salt. Then mix them well to make a smooth, thick marinade.
- Marinate the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and mix them well. Make sure all the pieces are covered with the spice mixture. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the paneer marinates, the better it will taste.
- Grill the Paneer: Once the marination is done, you can grill the paneer. If you are using an oven, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the marinated paneer cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle some oil or melted butter over it.
Alternatively, you can grill the paneer in a tandoor, or use a grill pan on the stove over medium heat. If you are using a pan, lightly oil the pan and cook the paneer cubes until they are slightly charred and crispy on the edges. This usually takes 5-7 minutes.
Grilling gives the paneer a smoky flavor and texture that is essential for a Perfect Paneer Tikka Gravy Sabji Recipe. Once grilled, set the pan aside.
Part 2: Making the Masala Gravy
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onions, tomatoes and coriander. If you are using cashews or melon seeds for creaminess, then grind them into a smooth paste using a little water.
- Cook the Gravy Base: Heat a pan or wok on medium flame and add butter or oil to it. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds. Then add chopped onions and cook them until they are golden brown and soft (about 5-7 minutes). This step is important to bring out the sweetness of the onions.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies to the onions and cook them for 1-2 minutes until they become aromatic.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Now add chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft and the tomatoes are cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. You can also add a pinch of salt to help it cook faster.
- Add Crushed Cashews or Melon Seeds: If you are using cashew paste in this Paneer Masala Sabji Recipe, add it now at this step and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes to incorporate the paste into the sauce and make it creamy.
- Spice it Up: Now, add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pan. Mix the mixture well to coat the tomatoes and spices evenly. Let the spices cook for about 2 minutes to infuse their flavor.
- Blend The Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a smooth gravy, you can also use an immersion blender to blend the sauce into a smooth texture. This is optional, you can leave it thick if you prefer some texture in your gravy.
- Boil and Add Water: Add 1/2 cup of water (or more depending on your preferred consistency) to the gravy and mix them well. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes on a low flame, allowing all the flavors to combine.
- Finish With Cream: Now add fresh cream and kasuri methi to this Restaurant Style Crispy Paneer Masala Recipe. This will make the gravy thick, velvety and delicious. Let the gravy cook for another 2 minutes.
Part 3: Mix Grilled Paneer Tikka with Gravy
- Add Grilled Paneer to The Gravy: Add the grilled paneer pieces to the prepared gravy gently and stir carefully, making sure that the paneer does not break. Cook the dish on low flame for 5 to 7 minutes and let the paneer absorb the flavour of the gravy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a little cream. You can also add lemon juice to it for a refreshing taste.
Tips for Making the Perfect Paneer Tikka Masala
- Paneer Quality: Use fresh, hard paneer for the best texture. If the paneer is too soft or watery, it may not hold up well during grilling.
- Grilling: If you are unable to grill, you can also pan-fry the marinated paneer for a crispier texture. Do not overcook paneer, as it may turn hard and difficult to chew.
- Tomatoes: Using ripe, juicy tomatoes ensures that the gravy is naturally sweet and tangy.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Tikka Masala Dish goes Serving with a variety of Indian breads like naan, roti, paratha or kulcha. It goes very well with steamed rice or the cumin-flavored jeera rice. For an authentic experience, serve it with raita (yogurt-based side dish) and pickles.
Conclusion
Making Dhaba Style Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe at Home may take a little effort, but the results are worth it. A rich, flavourful gravy with crispy, smoky paneer will leave you craving for more. This Restaurant Style paneer tikka dish is not only delicious but also perfect for any festive occasion, family function or special dinner. So, gather your ingredients and follow this step-by-step recipe for a Delicious experience. Enjoy your Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala Sabji Recipe!