Delicious and Authentic Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

  • 250g Paneer
  • 1 cup Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large Tomatoes, pureed
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cream
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the paneer into cubes and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, lemon juice and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
  3. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that all the cubes are well coated. Leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Heat one tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Add the marinated paneer cubes to the pan and cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove the paneer cubes from the pan and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle.
  7. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  8. Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  9. Add the cooked paneer cubes back to the pan and stir well to combine. Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  10. Lower the heat and add the fresh cream to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling.
  11. Cook for a further two minutes and then remove from heat.
  12. Transfer the paneer tikka masala to a serving dish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version of the dish.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the marinade for a paneer tikka masala with added flavors and textures.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add chopped green chillies to the marinade.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin powder, cardamom powder, or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to customize the flavor profile.
  • To make it healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt in the marinade.
  • Try grilling the marinated paneer cubes instead of cooking them in a pan for a smoky flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or tomato sauce to the gravy for a richer and tangier taste.
  • For a creamier texture, substitute fresh cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Garnish with roasted cashews or almonds for added crunch and richness.
  • Serve the paneer tikka masala with naan bread, rice, or roti for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Paneer Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s commonly found in Indian cuisine. Made with soft chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in spices and yogurt, cooked until golden, and then finished in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish is a delight for all senses. This recipe walks you through each step to ensure your paneer tikka masala is packed full of flavor and cooked to perfection. Expect to taste a wonderful balance of rich, tangy, spicy and creamy flavors. Paired with naan bread or rice, it makes for a satisfying main course that's beloved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. Enjoy the process of cooking this traditional Indian dish that is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to marinate the paneer? - It is recommended to marinate the paneer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt? - Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular yogurt in this recipe.
  3. Can I grill the paneer cubes instead of cooking them in a pan? - Yes, you can grill the marinated paneer cubes on a skewer or grill pan for a smoky flavor.
  4. Can I use store-bought paneer instead of homemade? - Yes, you can use store-bought paneer if you don't have homemade paneer available.
  5. What can I serve paneer tikka masala with? - Paneer tikka masala pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti.
  6. Can I make paneer tikka masala in advance? - Yes, you can make the paneer tikka masala in advance and reheat it before serving. However, freshly made paneer tikka masala has the best flavor.
  7. Is paneer tikka masala spicy? - The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. The recipe includes red chilli powder, but you can reduce or increase the amount based on your spice tolerance.
  8. How long does it take to cook paneer tikka masala? - The total cooking time for paneer tikka masala is around 30-40 minutes, including marination time.
  9. Can I freeze paneer tikka masala? - While it is possible to freeze paneer tikka masala, the texture of the paneer may change after thawing. It is best to consume it fresh or refrigerate for a day or two.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Knife - Sharp and versatile for cutting the paneer and other ingredients.
  • Bowl - Used for marinating the paneer.
  • Pan - Ideally a non-stick pan for cooking the paneer and preparing the masala.
  • Spatula - To flip and stir the paneer cubes while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the spices and lemon juice.
  • Blender or Food Processor - To puree the tomatoes for the masala sauce.
  • Serving Dish - A presentable dish to serve the paneer tikka masala.
  • Garnishing Spoon - For sprinkling fresh coriander leaves on top of the dish.

Origin stories

Paneer Tikka Masala, a rich and creamy dish of marinated paneer (cottage cheese) in a spiced gravy, is often claimed as a classic of Indian cuisine. However, its roots lie not in the ancient culinary traditions of the subcontinent, but in the relatively recent interactions between Indian cooks and their British patrons. It is believed that the dish was developed during the era of the British Raj in India, when local cooks were challenged to cater to the British palate, which craved meaty dishes with creamy gravies. The cooks rose to the occasion by transforming traditionally dry paneer tikka, a favorite North Indian starter, into a main course by adding a delectable makhani gravy, thus giving birth to Paneer Tikka Masala. It's a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of Indian cooks, who could take a foreign influence and create something entirely new and now quintessentially Indian.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.