Paneer Tikka Masala - A Vegetarian Delight for Your Taste Buds

Introduction:

Paneer Tikka Masala is a flavorful and indulgent dish that brings together the creamy goodness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the rich and aromatic flavors of masala. This vegetarian delight is a popular choice for those who want to experience the essence of Indian cuisine without meat. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delectable Paneer Tikka Masala that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

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Ingredients:

For the Paneer Tikka:

250g paneer, cut into cubes

1 cup thick yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon red chili powder

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Masala Sauce:

2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 cup tomato puree

1 cup heavy cream

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinating the Paneer:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric powder, salt, and vegetable oil to create the marinade.

Add paneer cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 1 hour.

Grilling the Paneer Tikka:

Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

Thread marinated paneer onto skewers and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred.

Preparing the Masala Sauce:

In a large pan, heat ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Combining the Paneer with the Sauce:

Add the grilled paneer to the masala sauce, coating each piece well.

Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Season with salt to taste.

Finishing Touches:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Paneer Tikka Masala hot with naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of chaat masala can be added for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the creamy and spicy goodness of Paneer Tikka Masala, a vegetarian delight that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your plate. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this classic dish, making it a favorite in your vegetarian culinary repertoire.