Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe (Vegetarian) + VIDEO
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
45 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
615 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe (Vegetarian) + VIDEO
Description
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe (Vegetarian) begins with paneer cubes marinated in yogurt mixed with garlic, ginger, salt, and spices such as garam masala, cumin, kashmiri chili powder, and turmeric. This tenderizes the paneer and infuses it with flavor. The tikka masala sauce is created by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger in ghee or butter until softened. Then a combination of garam masala, turmeric, kashmiri chili powder, and salt is added, followed by canned tomato sauce. The sauce simmers before being pureed smooth and returned to the pot where heavy cream is stirred in for richness.
The marinated paneer is browned in a skillet to develop a golden crust, which adds texture contrast to the sauce's creaminess. Served together, the dish offers layers of warm spice tempered by creamy tomato sauce. Cilantro garnish provides a fresh note. This recipe suits vegetarians who enjoy creamy curry dishes with tender paneer cheese.
Leftover portions should be cooled and stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Freezing is not recommended because the heavy cream can affect texture upon thawing. The included video may offer helpful visual cues for preparation steps.
Ingredients
For the Paneer and Marinade –
- 2 pounds paneer cheese cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 cup PLAIN yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon kashmiri chili powder ground
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
For the Tikka Masala Sauce –
- 2 tablespoon ghee or butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon ginger fresh grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ - 1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder ground
- 15 ounce tomato sauce canned
- 2 cups heavy cream
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- For the Paneer Marinade: Cut the paneer into cubes and place in a bowl or baking dish. Add the yogurt and all marinade ingredients. Gently toss to coat the paneer in the yogurt and spices. Set aside.
- For the Tikka Masala Sauce: Set a 4-6 quart saucepot (and a large nonstick skillet) on the stovetop. To the sauce pot add the ghee, diced onion, garlic and ginger. Turn the heat on medium-low and sauté for 8-10 minutes to soften.
- Add in the garam masala, salt, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili. Sauté another 2 minutes, then stir in the tomato sauce.
- Partially cover and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Scoop the tomato sauce into the blender. Puree until very smooth. Then pour the puree back into the saucepot and stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup water. Turn off the heat and let the sauce rest.
- After the sauce is finished and resting, heat the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place half the paneer cubes in the skillet. Brown the paneer on all sides. Then move the golden paneer cubes to a holding plate and repeat with the remaining paneer. (If you don’t have a nonstick skillet, make sure to add oil to the skillet so the paneer doesn’t stick.)
- Once all the paneer is cooked, reheat the tikka masala sauce. Mix the Paneer cubes into the sauce, and serve warm with a side of basmati rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro
Notes
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and consume within 4 days for best flavor and safety.
- Freezing is not recommended due to heavy cream affecting the dish’s texture after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 615 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.75cup | |
| Calories | 615kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 55g | 85% |
| Saturated Fat | 34g | 170% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 170mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 1072mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 322mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1139IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 639mg | 64% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
