Paneer Tikka Masala with a Twist
There are many good Paneer Tikka Masala recipes. But I have taken a traditional recipe and made some nice changes to it. The outcome has really come out very delicious. I tasted a little of the curry at the end, and I must say, I was amazed by the taste. I hope, rather I am sure, that you will too! Many dishes may be tasty but they don’t look pretty or festive, but this dish is quite colorful and lively. Of course, it is a vegetarian dish with veggies, spices and herbs, so it is pretty healthy too.
Hover over the highlighted Keywords below for Images and/or Description of some of the Ingredients:
Avocado, Cilantro, Coriander, Cumin, Garlic Cloves, Olive Oil, Rice, Tomatoes, Turmeric, Yoghurt
Slide Show:
Paneer Tikka Masala with a Twist
Print recipe| Serves | 4 |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cook time | 20 minutes |
| Total time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Side Dish |
| Misc | Pre-preparable, Serve Hot |
| Region | Indian |
Ingredients
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Bell Pepper (finely chopped)
- 8 - 10 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 Firm Tomato (finely chopped)
- 1 Cauliflower (cut into small flowerlets)
- 6 tablespoons Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil or any cooking oil)
- 10 - 20 cubes Paneer (Indian Cheese Cubes, cut into small 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 - 4 teaspoon Paneer Tikka Masala (sold in Indian stores)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 - 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Yoghurt (Plain Yoghurt)
- 1 tablespoon Sour Cream
Optional
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (finely chopped)
Directions
| Step 1 | |
If the Paneer cheese cubes were refrigerated, thaw them for a few seconds in the microwave oven, or keep them in room temperature for a hour or so until they are supple and soft. | |
| Step 2 | |
In a small bowl, add the yoghurt, sour cream, the paneer tikka masala spice and 1 tablespoon of water. First add 2 teaspoons of the masala spice. Taste and check. Add a little salt or more spice according to your taste. Mix thoroughly until it is smooth and not lumpy. Set it aside. | |
| Step 3 | |
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Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a medium fry pan. Add the cheese cubes, sprinkle with very little salt, and stir fry, only for a couple of minutes. Keep stirring and turning the cubes every 15 seconds or so until the sides become light golden brown. Don't fry them. Remove the cooked cheese cubes with a flat spatula, and transfer them to the bowl with the yoghurt/spice mixture. Mix well and let it marinate.  | |
| Step 4 | |
To the same fry pan, add 2 more tablespoons of oil. Add the onion, bell pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir fry for 5 minutes. | |
| Step 5 | |
Add the garlic, coriander powder, cumin powder and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the veggies are cooked and look soft. | |
| Step 6 | |
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Add the chopped tomatoes an and stir fry for a couple of minutes. Transfer the contents to a bowl.  | |
| Step 7 | |
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To the same fry pan add 4 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the cauliflower pieces.  | |
| Step 8 | |
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Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir and mix well. Cover and cook, stirring the contents every 30 seconds or so.  | |
| Step 9 | |
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Cook for 5 minutes, or until cauliflower is cooked but still firm. Do not overcook.  | |
| Step 10 | |
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Add the paneer/yoghurt/masala mix to the fry pan with the cooked cauliflower. Gently stir the contents without breaking the cauliflower pieces. Stir fry for 2 minutes.  | |
| Step 11 | |
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Add the onion/bell pepper/garlic mix to the fry pan. Stir and mix the contents. Garnish with the chopped cilantro, if you like.  | |
| Step 12 | |
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Serve hot with Roti, Naan, Whole wheat or flour Tortillas, Bread slices, or on a bed of hot steamed Rice.  | |
