Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala: A Flavorful North Indian Side Dish
Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala is a delightful vegetarian dish packed with flavor. This recipe combines the smoky, grilled essence of Tandoori Paneer with a rich, spiced gravy, making it a perfect side dish for your Indian meal. It is a popular choice for high-protein vegetarians, and the coal-smoking method adds a unique smoky depth to the dish, reminiscent of the traditional tandoor cooking.
Hereโs a detailed guide to making Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala from scratch, with easy-to-follow steps and all the rich flavors you love.
Ingredients for Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams (cut into cubes) |
| Coal (for coal smoking) | 2 pieces (about 3 inches each) |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Heavy whipping cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 5 leaves (chopped) |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves (crushed) |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece (crushed) |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | Few strands |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black salt (Kala Namak) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
Servings
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a gathering.
Cuisine Type
North Indian Cuisine
Course
Side Dish
Diet
High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions for Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and chopped mint leaves.
- Pound the fennel seeds and ajwain (carom seeds) to release their aroma and add them to the cream mixture.
- Add the rest of the spices, including cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, garam masala, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, black salt, turmeric powder, and saffron strands.
- Stir the mixture well until all the spices are well incorporated.
-
Marinate the Paneer:
- Place the paneer cubes in the same bowl with the prepared marinade.
- Gently toss the paneer cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well.
- Cover the bowl and allow the paneer to rest for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or for best results, refrigerate and marinate overnight.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- In a pestle and mortar, make a paste of the ginger and garlic.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sautรฉ for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan and bring it to a quick boil. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.
-
Add Paneer to the Gravy:
- Once the tomato puree is well-cooked, add the marinated paneer cubes along with the remaining marinade from the bowl.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the tomato mixture.
- Check the seasoning (salt and spices) and adjust according to your preference.
-
Simmer the Dish:
- Cover the pan and allow the Paneer Tikka Masala to simmer for about 3-4 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Coal Smoking for Authentic Flavor:
- While the dish is simmering, itโs time to add that authentic tandoori flavor.
- Take 1-2 pieces of coal, about 3 inches in size, and hold them over a gas flame with the help of tongs. Let the coal turn red-hot and start to smoke (about 5 minutes).
- Place the hot coal in a crack-proof bowl and place this bowl in the center of the simmering paneer dish.
- Immediately add a spoon of ghee or oil onto the hot coal. The coal will begin to smoke, creating a lovely smoky aroma.
- Quickly cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it sit covered for 1 minute until the smoke dissipates.
-
Final Touch:
- Open the lid, remove the coal bowl, and give the dish a final stir. Your Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala is now ready to serve.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala with hot Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha.
- Pair it with a side of Jeera Pulao, crispy Papad, and a cooling Raita to complete the meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Paneer: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought paneer, but homemade paneer tends to have a fresher texture and flavor.
- Coal Smoking: The coal smoking method is key to bringing the smoky flavor typical of tandoori dishes. If you don’t have access to coal, you can use liquid smoke, though the authentic flavor may vary.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of spices to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and black pepper.
- Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a creamier gravy, feel free to add a little more heavy cream to the mixture.
Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala is a delightful and flavorful side dish, perfect for any occasion. The marinated paneer, cooked in a rich, spicy gravy and finished with the smoky flavor of coal, makes this dish stand out. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads and rice dishes, making it an excellent choice for a family meal or dinner party.
