This 'Paneer Tikka Masala' recipe that is homemade is a rich and delicious gravy made with Paneer or cottage cheese. It has wonderful spicy flavors that make all your taste buds come out alive. This dish does not need any introduction as it is very popular on the menus of most Indian restaurants.
Why is Paneer Tikka Masala so popular?
- The rich and delicious gravy made with tomato onion sauce and paneer tastes out of the world.
- It goes well with Basmati Rice, or Tandoori Rotis, or Naan.
- A great option for vegetarians as it is a good source of protein.
- It is easy to make and needs a handful of ingredients.
Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala recipe
Everyone loves paneer, and it best goes with Naan or roti. It also goes well with Basmati rice. This is not an everyday dish as it is very rich and creamy. It is usually on the menu for special occasions. Paneer is high in protein and a great choice for vegetarians. If you are looking for more Paneer dishes, you may like Shahi Paneer gravy recipe and Easy Palak Paneer.
What is the difference between Paneer butter masala and Paneer Tikka Masala?
There is always confusion between 'Paneer butter masala' and 'Paneer tikka masala'.The gravies of both these dishes are creamy, onion and tomato-based. The main difference is that for the Paneer Tikka Masala, the paneer is marinated in a sauce and grilled before adding it to the gravy. I also add bell peppers and onions in my version of the gravy which gives it a very unique taste. The Paneer butter masala has fried or plain paneer added to it as is. You can also add red food coloring to this dish to get the restaurant-style look if you like.
Can this gravy be used for Chicken Tikka Masala?
This exact recipe can also be used to make 'Chicken Tikka masala' where the paneer is replaced with cubed boneless chicken pieces. Please read on for the full recipe and I would highly recommend you try this awesome recipe. Enjoy and have a great weekend.
Grilling the Paneer
You can grill the paneer marinated in a marinade of yogurt, ginger garlic, spices, bell pepper, onions, and lemon over a grill pan like in the recipe Paneer Tikka Pan Grilled, or you can grill it in the oven or air fryer.
Making the Gravy
Sautee the onions, tomato, and cashews with the spices and grind them to a smooth paste. In the same pan, add some butter and ginger-garlic paste and saute till the raw smell goes away. Add the tomato, onion, and cashew paste. Once cooked add spices and adjust the consistency. Next add the grilled paneer, bell pepper, and onions. Add dried fenugreek leaves and fresh cream. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves
Paneer Tikka Masala
Ingredients
For Marinating Paneer
- 1 block paneer about 250 gms and cut into small rectangles
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ¼ tsp garam masala powder
- 1 -2 tbsp Shaan Tandoori masala powder optional
- ½ cup yogurt Greek yogurt can also be used .The yogurt should be completely drained of water.
- ½ green bell pepper diced into big triangles
- ½ onion diced into big triangles
- ½ lemon juice squeezed
For Roasting and Grinding
- 1 large onion
- 3 large tomatoes
- 10-12 cashews
- 1 tsp Red chilli powder Kashmiri
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp salt
For Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 3 tbsp cream
- ½ tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves) crushed with your palms
- ½ cup coriander leaves finely chopped
Instructions
Paneer Marination
- Make a mixture of ingredients in the "For Marinating Paneer" section in a medium bowl.
- Add the cut paneer pieces into it .
- Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes ,the longer the better.
- Grill the paneer and veggies and Keep aside
Roasting and Grinding for Gravy
- In a medium sized pan , heat up some butter .
- Add the cashews, chopped onions and tomatoes .
- Sautee and fry till it is wilted, browned and cooked well.
- Add red chilly powder and garam masala spice blend.
- Add salt to taste , cool and grind to a smooth paste.
To Make the Gravy
- Heat some butter or oil in the same pan used to roast the tomatoes and onion gravy.
- Add ginger garlic paste .
- Sautee till the raw taste goes away.
- Add the onion tomato gravy and mix well.
- Add red chilly powder ,sugar, salt and garam masala.
- Cook till the oil is released from the sides .
- Add water as required to loosen up the gravy .
- Add paneer pieces and cook for a while.
- Add cream and adjust salt as required.
- Add the fenu greek leaves and mix well.
- Switch off flame and add the chopped coriander leaves.
- Paneer Tikka Masala is ready to be served .
Nutrition
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This sounds and looks so delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Many Thanks Leah, it sure is a wonderful recipe and I get compliments every time I make it!
This Paneer tikka is a good alternative for vegetarian and your pictures looks so good. Thank you for sharing this post.
Yes indeed Paneer is a great option for vegetarians . Glad you liked the pictures .Thank you so much for stopping by!
Mmmm this looks so good! I've never tried making tikka masala at all myself, unless you count something out of a jar (it's bad, I know). I've never tried the paneer version though, sounds delish and now my tummy's growling 😄
Caz xx
You are absolutely right Caz, the gravy out of the jar is unfortunately not comparable to the one made at home . It's really worth trying and hope you get a chance to try it out! Thank you so much for stopping by.
Looks Absolutely delicious Nisha!
Thank you Smitha, indeed a very delicious dish.