Paneer Tikka masala

This is a vegetarian version of the popular chicken tikka masala and as tasty and , shall I dare say , probably more healthier.


What you need for Paneer Tikka Masala:
For the Tikka:

• Paneer - 200 gms
• Ginger-garlic paste - 1/2 tbsp
• chat masala powder - 1/2 tbsp
• Coriander powder - 1/4 tbsp
• Jeera Powder - 1/4 tspn
• Red Chilli powder - 1/2 to 1 tbsp
• salt to taste
• Thick curd - 1 tbsp

For the Gravy:

• Ginger -Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
• Onions - 2 chopped fine
• Tomato - 3 chopped fine
• Cashewnuts - 8 whole nuts
• Butter - 2 tbsp
• Whole Jeera - 1/2 tbsp
• Jeera Powder - 1 tbsp
• Coriander Powder - 1 tbsp
• Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tbsp
• Garam Masala powder - 3/4 to 1 tbsp
• Kasoori Methi - 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste.
• Fresh Coriander Leaves for Garnishing.

The Preparation method:

To make the Tikka:

• Combine all the ingredients under the 'For the Tikka' section and  make a thick paste.
• Dice the paneer to larger cubes and coat the paneer evenly.
• Set it aside for 45 mins in the refrigerator.
• Heat a flat Tava, grease it with oil and place the marinated Paneer cubes on it and shallow fry till crisp on both sides.Alternatively, grill it in the oven.

To make the Gravy:

• Boil the tomatoes in hot water.Peel and blend .keep it aside.
• Blend the onions to paste, with the cashew nuts.
• In a kadai, Heat butter in medium flame and add Jeera to it. Once the Jeera turns golden, add the Onion- Cashew paste , ginger-garlic paste , cook well till the raw smell goes. Then, add all the dry powder(except Kasoori Methi) and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add tomato purée and cook till the gravy thickens for about 7 minutes to 10 mins in medium flame.
• Add the Kasoori methi(crush it between the palms of your hands).
• Prick the cooked paneer gently once,with a fork in the centre.
• Now, slowly add the cooked paneer cubes and cook for about 3 minutes.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Yummy and tasty Paneer Tikka Masala is ready to be served with rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.