Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe: A Taste of Home

Paneer Tikka Masala is a quintessential Indian dish that combines the richness of marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a flavorful tomato-based gravy. It’s a favorite among vegetarians and a delightful treat for anyone who enjoys Indian cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before you embark on your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka:

• 250 grams of paneer (cubed)
• 1 cup of thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

For Gravy:

• 2 large tomatoes (blanched and pureed)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Preparation

Paneer Tikka:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, lemon juice, and oil. This mixture forms the marinade.
2. Add the cubed paneer pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination enhances the flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).
4. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning.
5. Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the paneer is slightly charred and cooked through. You can baste the paneer with a little oil or butter while grilling for added flavor.

Gravy:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
3. Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes until they release their aroma.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for about 10 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the gravy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add salt to taste and kasuri methi, crushing it between your palms before adding it to the gravy. Kasuri methi adds a unique flavor to the dish.
6. Reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously to create a creamy, rich texture.
7. Add the grilled paneer tikka pieces to the gravy, gently mixing them in. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving

Your homemade Paneer Tikka Masala is ready to be served! Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, naan bread, or parathas.

Tips and Tricks

• You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by varying the amount of red chili powder.
• If you don’t have access to a grill or oven, you can also cook the marinated paneer on a stovetop griddle or in a non-stick pan.
• For a smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or add a drop of liquid smoke to the marinade.
• Feel free to customize the gravy by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or green peas.
• Leftover Paneer Tikka Masala can be refrigerated and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Conclusion

Making Paneer Tikka Masala at home allows you to savor the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and spicy goodness of this classic dish, and make it a regular feature in your homemade Indian menu!