This recipe for Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala is a wonderful combination of spicy, smoky tandoori flavors and creamy tomato-based gravy. It is a popular Indian dish that will delight your taste buds with its rich and aromatic taste. Serve it with steamed rice or fluffy naan bread for a satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.
Ingredients
- For the Tandoori Paneer Tikka:
- - 2 cups paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- - 1 cup yogurt
- - 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
- - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- - 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- - Salt, to taste
- - Oil, for grilling
- For the Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala:
- - 2 tablespoons oil
- - 1 onion, finely chopped
- - 2 tomatoes, pureed
- - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- - 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- - 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- - 1 teaspoon garam masala
- - 1/2 cup heavy cream
- - Salt, to taste
- - Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer for better flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.
- Skewer the marinated paneer cubes and grill them until they are slightly charred and cooked through, turning them occasionally to ensure even grilling. This will take about 10-12 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook for a minute to release their flavors.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add heavy cream and salt. Stir well and let the gravy simmer for a few minutes.
- Gently add the grilled paneer tikka to the gravy and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Interesting Facts
Paneer is a popular Indian cheese made by curdling heated milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
Tandoori masala is a blend of various Indian spices and herbs that gives a distinct smoky flavor to the dish.
Grilling the paneer cubes adds a charred and smoky taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.