Paneer Tikka Masala

பனீர் டிக்கா மசாலா – Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer tikka masala is an Indian dish of marinated paneer grilled and served in a spicy gravy known as tikka masala. My kids always like paneer recipes but I don’t like that much. This paneer recipe is my favorite. This curry tastes spicy and keep the paneer soft. Also the bell pepper taste adds more flavor to the gravy. This goes well with Naan, Roti and chapathi.

Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala

For Paneer Tikka

Paneer – 200g
Curd (thick) – 3/4 cup
Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
Chilli powder – 3/4 tsp
Cumin powder – 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder – 1/2 tsp
Pepper powder – 1/4 tsp
Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
Ajwain – 1/4 tsp
Salt – 1/2 tsp
Kasturi methi – 1 tsp
Besan flour – 2 tbs
Oil – 2 tsp
Lemon juice – 2 tsp
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbs
Bell pepper – 1/2
Capsicum (cubed) – 1/2
Onion (petals) – 1/2

For Gravy

Oil – 2 tbs
Cinnamon – 1/2 inch
Cardamom – 2
Bay leaf – 1
Cloves – 3
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Onion – 2 (finely chopped)
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Chilli powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Cumin powder – 1/2 tsp
Tomato purée – 2 cup
Kasturi methi – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 2 tbs
Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
Water – 1 cup
Salt as needed

Directions

Marination

Add all the marination ingredients except the veggies and paneer in a mixing bowl.
Mix everything well and add the veggies.
Add the cubed paneer.
Make sure that the spices coat all over the veggies and paneer.
Marinate the mixture for at least one hour.

Grilling

Insert the veggies and paneer in skewer as shown in the picture.
Heat grill pan or dosa pan and spray some cooking oil.
place the skewers and grill them all the sides until completely cooked.

Gravy

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and bay leaf.
Roast the spices and add the chopped onion and ginger garlic paste.
Stir fry the onion and add puréed tomato.
Now add all the spices and salt.
Mix everything well then cover the pan and cook until water evaporates.
Add the leftover marination masala and water.
Mix everything well and bring it boil.
Now add the grilled veggies and paneer.
Cover the pan and cook in low medium flame for 5 minutes.
Add the Kasturi methi and garnish chopped cilantro.
Switch off the flame.
Paneer tikka masala ready.
Serve the paneer tikka masala with Naan or chapathi.

Notes

I grilled the veggies and paneer in pan, you may grill them in oven too. Here is the recipe.
You may use dosa pan for grilling as well.
You may add red bell pepper too.
I used cooking spray for grilling, you may use butter for that.