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Vegetarian Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Paneer Tikka Masala is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavours and vibrant colours. This vegetarian dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an excellent source of protein, making it a favourite amongst vegetarians. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create a scrumptious Vegetarian Paneer Tikka Masala that is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

For the Paneer Tikka:

• 400 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup thick yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper (capsicum), cubed
• 1 onion, cubed
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Masala Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chillies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 100 ml cooking cream (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinating the Paneer

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the thick yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.

2. Add the Paneer: Gently fold in the paneer cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade. For added texture, you can also include the cubed bell pepper and onion in the marinade.

3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with cling film and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Preparing the Paneer Tikka

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your oven’s grill or a barbecue to a high heat.

2. Skewer the Paneer: Thread the marinated paneer, bell pepper, and onion onto the soaked skewers. Alternate between paneer and vegetables for a colourful presentation.

3. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on a baking tray and grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can cook them in a pan with a little oil over medium heat until they are browned.

Step 3: Making the Masala Gravy

1. Sauté the Onions: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.

2. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the slit green chillies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Tomato Puree and Spices: Pour in the tomato puree and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.

4. Creaminess: If using, stir in the cooking cream to make the gravy lush and creamy. Simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Combining the Tikka and Gravy

1. Add the Grilled Paneer: Carefully add your grilled paneer tikka to the masala gravy, mixing gently to ensure the paneer is well-coated in the sauce.

2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Paneer Tikka Masala is a delightful dish that combines the smoky, spicy flavours of marinated and grilled paneer with a luscious and aromatic gravy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavours and the vibrant colours of this classic Indian dish!