Paneer Tikka Masala: Easy Restaurant Style Recipe

Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, offering a delicious blend of smoky grilled paneer and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Whether you’re trying to recreate the restaurant-style or the rustic dhaba style, this dish never fails to impress. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. From its preparation to the final presentation, Paneer Tikka Masala is a culinary experience that brings joy to any dining table.

The Story Behind Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala has evolved over time, but its essence remains rooted in traditional Indian cooking. Originating as a vegetarian counterpart to Chicken Tikka Masala, this dish quickly gained popularity among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The dish is made by marinating paneer in a blend of yoghurt and aromatic spices, grilling it to perfection, and then simmering it in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The combination of the smoky paneer with the tangy and creamy sauce creates a harmony of flavors that is truly unforgettable.

The Importance of Marination

The secret to an amazing Paneer Tikka Masala lies in the marination process. When you marinate the paneer in yoghurt and spices, it not only absorbs the flavors but also becomes tender and juicy. Marination is crucial for ensuring that every bite of the paneer tikka is packed with flavor. Even if you are short on time, try to marinate the paneer for at least 3 hours to get the best taste. An overnight marination works wonders, making the paneer more flavorful and giving it that authentic restaurant-style taste.

Choosing the Right Paneer

For the best Paneer Tikka Masala, using fresh and soft paneer is important. Whether you make homemade paneer or buy it from the market, ensure that it is not too firm or rubbery. Fresh paneer absorbs the marinade better and cooks evenly, resulting in a deliciously soft and melt-in-the-mouth texture. If the paneer is too hard, soaking it in warm water for a few minutes before marinating can help soften it.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Tikka Masala is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. If you prefer rice, jeera rice or plain basmati rice complements the rich and creamy sauce perfectly. Adding a side of fresh salad or raita can balance the richness of the dish, making your meal more wholesome and satisfying. You can also serve it with a squeeze of lemon on top for an extra tangy twist.

Experimenting with Vegetables

While the classic Paneer Tikka Masala includes bell peppers and onions, you can experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even baby corn. These vegetables add different textures and flavors to the dish, making it more exciting. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar sizes as the paneer so that they cook evenly. This variation not only enhances the taste but also adds more nutrition to your meal.

Adapting the Spice Level

Paneer Tikka Masala is known for its rich and balanced flavor, but you can easily adapt the spice level to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chilli and garam masala. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more chilli powder or even a dash of black pepper. The flexibility in adjusting spices makes this dish a favorite among all age groups, from kids to adults.

Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Masala

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Paneer:

• Paneer – 250 grams

For Marination:

• Yoghurt (hung curd) – 1 cup
• Ginger and garlic paste – 2 teaspoons
• Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
• Roasted cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Oil – 1 tablespoon

For the Vegetables:

• Bell pepper (any colour) – 2
• Onion – 1

For the Paste:

• Onion – 1 (medium or 85 grams)
• Tomatoes – 4 or 420 grams
• Green chilli – 1
• Ginger – 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons

For the Sauce/Curry:

• Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Butter – 4 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Green cardamoms – 4
• Bay leaves – 2
• Ginger and garlic paste – 2 teaspoons
• Kashmiri chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
• Roasted cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
• Tomato puree (thick, double concentrated) – 2 tablespoons
• Tomato ketchup – 2 tablespoons
• Sugar – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup
• Kasoori methi – 2 1/2 teaspoons
• Green cardamom powder – 2 pinches
• Garam masala – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
• Ginger juliennes – few

How to Prepare Paneer Tikka Masala

Step 1: Prepare Hung Curd for Marination

The first step in making Paneer Tikka Masala is preparing the hung curd, which is essential for marinating the paneer. To do this:

1. Place a muslin cloth in a tea strainer and set it over a bowl.
2. Pour fresh curd into the muslin cloth.
3. Gather the corners of the cloth and tie them tightly.
4. Gently press to allow the whey to drip into the bowl.
5. Place a small bowl or lid on the tied muslin and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours or overnight.
6. Once rested, the thick hung curd will be ready for use.

Step 2: Marinate the Paneer

Marinating the paneer is a crucial step to infuse it with flavor. Here’s how:

1. Chop the onion and bell peppers into chunks, matching the size of the paneer pieces.
2. Slice the paneer into thin square or rectangle shapes.
3. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for marination until well combined.
4. Add the paneer pieces to the mixture and coat them evenly.
5. Then, add the vegetables and mix well to ensure everything is evenly marinated.
6. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
7. Remove the marinated paneer from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
8. Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 1 hour to prevent them from burning.
9. Pierce the vegetables and paneer alternately onto the skewers.

Step 3: Cooking Paneer Tikka in Oven or Grill

The paneer can be cooked either in the oven or on a grill.

Cooking in Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius for about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Brush a baking tray with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers on the tray and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Brush with melted butter, turn, and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are charred.

Cooking in Grill:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius for about 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Switch to the grill option.
3. Place the baking tray in the oven and grill for 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Baste with melted butter halfway through and cook until the vegetables are slightly charred.

Step 4: Preparing the Sauce

The sauce is what makes Paneer Tikka Masala so rich and flavorful. Follow these steps:

1. Roughly chop the onion and tomatoes, and add them to a mixer with green chilli and ginger. Grind to a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a vessel.
3. Once hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaves, and green cardamoms. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
4. Add the ground onion and tomato paste along with 100 ml water to clear the mixer jar. Cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add ginger and garlic paste, tomato puree, and chilli powder. Mix well.
6. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes on medium to low flame with the lid closed, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the remaining marinade, roasted cumin powder, tomato ketchup, sugar, 1 teaspoon kasoori methi, and 50 ml water. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes with the lid closed.
8. Strain the cooked tomato mixture to get a smooth curry base.
9. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a vessel, add the curry base, and cook for 10 minutes.
10. Add the cooked paneer tikka pieces, cream, kasoori methi, garam masala, green cardamom powder, and ginger juliennes. Cook for 10 minutes on medium flame, then lower the flame and cook for another 20 minutes with the lid closed.

Nutritional Information

Paneer Tikka Masala is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown:

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving
• Protein: Rich in protein, mainly from paneer and yoghurt
• Fat: Contains healthy fats from paneer, butter, and oil
• Carbohydrates: Moderate carbohydrate content from tomatoes, onion, and other ingredients
• Vitamins and Minerals: Provides vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and B6, along with essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium

Tips for Making the Best Paneer Tikka Masala

1. Do Not Overcook Paneer: Overcooking can make paneer dry and chewy. Keep it soft by grilling or baking until just charred.
2. Marinate Well: Marinating the paneer for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, helps in absorbing the flavors.
3. Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance the flavor of the dish. Ensure they are not stale.
4. Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, use single cream or heavy cream. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
5. Balance of Flavors: Adjust the spices and sugar to achieve a balance between heat, sweetness, and tanginess.
6. Serve Fresh: Paneer Tikka Masala tastes best when served hot, accompanied by naan, roti, or jeera rice.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Paneer Tikka Masala?
   • Paneer Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish made with marinated paneer, grilled or baked, and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce.
2. Can I make Paneer Tikka Masala without an oven?
   • Yes, you can cook paneer tikka on a stovetop grill pan or even a regular pan. Just ensure you get a nice char on the paneer.
3. How do I keep paneer soft while cooking?
   • Do not overcook the paneer, and add it to the sauce just before serving. You can also soak the paneer in warm water before marinating.
4. Is Paneer Tikka Masala spicy?
   • It can be adjusted to your taste. The Kashmiri chilli powder adds color and mild heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount of green chilli or garam masala as needed.
5. Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?
   • Yes, store-bought paneer works well. Just make sure it’s fresh and soft.
6. What can I serve with Paneer Tikka Masala?
   • Paneer Tikka Masala pairs well with naan, roti, jeera rice, and a side of raita.
7. Can I freeze Paneer Tikka Masala?
   • Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure to reheat it gently, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
8. Can I make this dish vegan?
   • You can use tofu instead of paneer and coconut yoghurt for marination. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for the sauce.
9. What is the difference between Paneer Tikka Masala and Paneer Butter Masala?
   • Paneer Tikka Masala has a smoky flavor from grilled paneer, while Paneer Butter Masala is sweeter and richer, with a more buttery sauce.
10. How long can I store Paneer Tikka Masala?
    • It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Paneer Tikka Masala is a dish that truly celebrates the flavors of Indian cuisine. From the smoky, marinated paneer to the rich and creamy sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting, Paneer Tikka Masala is a perfect choice. With the tips, nutritional information, and FAQs provided, you’re all set to make a delicious, restaurant-style Paneer Tikka Masala right at home. Enjoy it with your favorite Indian bread or rice, and savor the richness of this classic dish!