Tawa Paneer Masala Recipe
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 5
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Tawa Paneer Masala is a flavorful and aromatic North Indian dish that combines soft, golden-brown paneer cubes with a rich, spiced gravy. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a comforting, vegetarian dish packed with bold flavors. Served with hot roti, chapati, or phulkas, and a side of raita, it makes a wholesome meal for lunch or dinner. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish that’s both savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) – cubed | 3 cups |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | To cook |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onions – finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic – paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies – finely chopped | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Roasted Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Paneer:
Start by marinating the paneer cubes with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, kasuri methi, and salt. Mix well and allow the paneer to marinate for 20 minutes. This step helps the spices infuse the paneer with rich flavors. -
Fry the Paneer:
Heat some sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, shallow fry the marinated paneer cubes on both sides for 2-3 minutes, flipping them often to achieve an even golden-brown color. Once fried, remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside. -
Cook the Masala Base:
In a separate non-stick pan, heat the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and ajwain, and sauté them for a few seconds until fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your gravy. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and soft. Then, add garlic paste, chopped green chillies, and coriander powder. Stir and cook for another minute until the mixture becomes aromatic. -
Add the Tomato Puree:
Pour in the homemade tomato puree and roasted ajwain. Mix everything well and let the gravy simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the mixture and to help the flavors meld together. -
Finish the Gravy:
Once the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, gently add the fried paneer cubes into the masala. Add fresh cream and garam masala powder, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 more minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors and the gravy to thicken slightly. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a touch of color and freshness. Your Tawa Paneer Masala is now ready to be served.
Enjoy this spicy and creamy Tawa Paneer Masala with hot roti, chapatis, or phulkas, and a refreshing side of raita of your choice. This dish will surely be a hit with your family and guests, offering a perfect balance of heat, richness, and tanginess.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Tips for Best Results:
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can roast the paneer cubes lightly before adding them to the gravy.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference. If you like a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder.
- You can substitute fresh cream with cashew cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
This Tawa Paneer Masala is an easy-to-make yet indulgent recipe that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a family meal or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish is sure to please!
