Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe for Beginners | Creamy Indian Curry Without Tandoor

यह लेख Sapne Kitchen की रेसिपी सीरीज़ का हिस्सा है।

🧀 Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe for Beginners (Indian Restaurant Style at Home)

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy paneer tikka masala recipe is perfect for beginners who want to recreate Indian restaurant-style curry at home, without using a tandoor or oven. It's creamy, rich, vegetarian, and a hit at house parties in the USA.

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🛒 Ingredients

For Paneer Tikka Marinade:

• 250g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
• 1/2 cup thick Greek yogurt (or hung curd)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Paneer

1. In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients.
2. Add paneer cubes and coat well. Let it rest for 30 minutes (up to overnight in fridge for better flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Paneer

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan.
2. Pan-fry marinated paneer on medium heat until golden on edges (about 4–5 mins).
3. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Masala Gravy

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil or butter in a pan.
2. Add bay leaf and chopped onions. Sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates (~8 mins).
5. Mix in turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, salt, and sugar.
6. Stir in cream and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

1. Add cooked paneer to the gravy.
2. Simmer on low for 5 minutes so flavors blend.
3. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve your homemade paneer tikka masala with:

• Steamed basmati rice
• Garlic naan or butter roti
• Cucumber raita on the side

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✅ Pro Tips

• Use Greek yogurt for thick marinade in the absence of hung curd.
• Add smoked paprika instead of chili powder for milder spice but rich color.
• Don’t skip the sugar—it balances acidity from tomatoes.