Title: Paneer Perfection: Elevate Your Cuisine with a Delicious Indian Paneer Dish

 

Introduction:

Paneer, a versatile and beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, is a fresh cheese made from curdling milk and is widely used in various delectable dishes. With its delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors, paneer lends itself perfectly to a range of culinary creations. In this blog post, we'll share a tantalizing recipe for a paneer dish that combines aromatic spices and rich flavors, allowing you to experience the true essence of Indian cuisine.

Recipe: Paneer Tikka Masala

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

For the Paneer Tikka:

- 14 ounces (400g) paneer, cut into cubes

- ½ cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- ½ teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 2 large tomatoes, pureed

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- ½ cup heavy cream or yogurt (for a lighter version)

- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.

2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated paneer cubes in the pan, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cook until golden brown on all sides, turning gently to prevent breaking. Once cooked, remove the paneer cubes from the pan and set them aside.

4. In the same pan, add ghee or vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

5. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

6. Add the tomato puree and tomato paste (if using), stirring well to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the raw tomato flavor to mellow.

7. Reduce the heat to low and add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the spices' flavors.

8. Gradually add the heavy cream or yogurt, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

9. Gently add the cooked paneer cubes to the sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the paneer absorb the flavors.

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve the Paneer Tikka Masala with steamed basmati rice or naan.