Tawa Paneer Masala Recipe
Tawa Paneer Masala is a rich and flavorful North Indian dish, perfect for a comforting dinner. This recipe combines soft paneer with a mixture of aromatic spices, creamy tomato gravy, and a touch of kasuri methi for a delicious finish. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is easy to follow and brings the essence of authentic Indian flavors to your table. Serve it with tawa paratha and spinach raita for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cut into cubes) | 3 cups |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 1 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As needed |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Ajwain (carom seeds) | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (paste) | 2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Shahi jeera (royal cumin) | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh cream | 2 tbsp |
| Green chili (finely chopped) | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 tsp |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 5
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients before you begin cooking. Cut the paneer into cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, kasuri methi, and salt to the paneer. Mix well and let it sit for 20 minutes. This will allow the paneer to absorb the flavors. -
-
Fry the Paneer:
Heat oil in a tawa or frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes to the pan. Fry the paneer pieces until they are golden and crispy on both sides. This should take around 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside. -
Cook the Masala Base:
In the same pan, add some more oil. Once heated, add cumin seeds and royal cumin (shahi jeera). Let them splutter for about 15 seconds. Then, add finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent. -
Add Garlic and Spices:
Once the onions are soft, add the garlic paste, green chili, and coriander powder. Stir the mixture and cook for another minute until the raw smell of garlic disappears. -
Prepare the Gravy:
Add the tomato puree and ajwain (carom seeds) to the pan. Cook the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will cook down and blend with the spices, forming a smooth gravy. -
Combine Paneer and Cream:
After the tomato gravy has cooked, add the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the masala. Then, add fresh cream and garam masala powder. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touches:
Once the paneer is well-coated in the masala and the gravy has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Garnish the Tawa Paneer Masala with freshly chopped green coriander leaves. -
Serve:
Serve the Tawa Paneer Masala hot with tawa paratha or steamed rice and a side of spinach raita for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Tawa Paneer Masala:
- For a richer gravy: You can add a tablespoon of butter along with the oil when frying the paneer.
- Spice level adjustment: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of green chili or red chili powder.
- Paneer texture: For soft paneer, ensure not to fry it for too long. You can also soak the fried paneer in warm water for a few minutes before adding it to the masala to keep it soft.
- Vegetable variation: You can add bell peppers, peas, or tomatoes to the gravy for extra texture and flavor.
This Tawa Paneer Masala recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for dinner or special occasions. The creamy, spicy gravy pairs beautifully with warm, soft tawa paratha. Enjoy this comforting Indian meal with your family and friends!
