Paneer Tikka Masala - Restaurant Style - Stove Top Paneer Tikka Gravy

Paneer Tikka Masala is a Popular North Indian Gravy, made with Marinated & Grilled Paneer. It tastes divine with Chapathi,Roti,Poori,Phulka's,Fried Rice & Jeera Rice.It is one of the classic gravy for Paneer lovers. I tried to grill tikka's on stove top.It came out well. Even if you don't have oven, you can easily char the Paneer & veggies on tawa.So I wanted to share with you. 

Paneer Tikka Masala

 Prep Time : 20 min. 

Cook Time : 25  minutes.

Recipe Category: sides

Recipe Source: Vahrehvah.com

Serves  :   4 . 

Ingredients

For Paneer Tikka

Paneer - 200 gms.
Onion - 1.

Capsicum - 1(deseeded) .

Tomato - 1(deseeded)

Hung curd - 1/2 cup(refer notes)

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp.

Chilli Powder - 1 tsp.

Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp.

Coriander Powder - 1 tsp.

Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp.

Kasthuri Methi - 1 tsp.

lemon juice - 1 tbsp.

oil - 1 tsp.

Salt - As needed.

Ingredients for Gravy

Onion - 1 (big).

Tomato - 2.

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tsp.

Coriander powder -1 tsp.

chilli powder - 1 tsp.

turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp.

Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp.

Cashews - 12.

Fresh cream - 1/4 cup  + 1 tbsp .

kasthoori methi - 1 tsp.

butter + oil - 2 tbsp + 2 tsp.

Preparation

• Cut the Paneer into cubes as shown in the picture.
• Deseed the tomato & Capsicum , cut into cubes.
• Note: if you don't have hung curd,then hang  1 + 1/2 cups of curd in a muslin cloth for 1 hour to get half cup of  hung curd.
• Take a Mixing bowl Mix hung curd, Ginger Garlic Paste ,Chilli Powder,Garam Masala ,Coriander Powder,Cumin Powder,Kasthuri Methi,lemon juice,salt & oil .

• .Add cubed Paneer,Onion, tomato & capsicum Mix well Gently. Let it sit aside for 1 hour or you can Refigerate it.

Method for Paneer  Tikka Preparation

• Now, heat the tawa, add 1 tsp of oil, arrange the Paneer & toast on both sides,  till marination dries up & it turns Golden. it takes 2 - 3 minutes to cook, else if you cook for more time Paneer turns rubbery.

• Now remove the Paneer, in same tawa, add the cubed veggies & cook till it is chared, as shown in the Picture. veggies should maintain its crispness.

Method for Gravy Preparation

• Now heat the kadai, add Onions, Ginger garlic Paste,cashews. Saute till onions turns Golden brown colour.
• Add tomatoes, add chilli powder,coriander powder,turmeric Powder, Garam Masala & salt. Saute till tomatoes turns Mushy.
• Then grind everything into a smooth paste adding little water.keep aside.

• Heat the kadai, add butter & oil, then add fennel seeds.when you get Good aroma of fennel seeds, add Ground paste, dilute it with needed water.

• When water starts boiling add grilled Paneer & veggies. Then rub kasthoori methi against your palms & add it.Mix well.
• Let it cook in a Medium low flame for 2 - 3 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Then add fresh cream,mix it.Let it  cook for  1 minutes. Then finally Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

• if  hung curd is sour, adjust the lemon juice according to tanginess.
• I used Green capscium, you can use yellow,red  or orange capsicum for nice colours.
• Toast paneer seperately & veggies seperately for even cooking.
• Don't over toast the Paneer, else it turns rubbery.
• you can also use oven to toast veggies & paneer.
• For low fat option, you can replace fresh cream with  1/4 cup of Milk ,if so cook for 2 minutes.