What is paneer tikka masala? This post explains what paneer tikka is all about and how it differs from paneer butter masala, etc.
Trying new dishes in restaurants is always a great experience. A regular experience turns into a fun and enthusiastic one when the food turns delicious.
But there are a couple of problems we need to face while trying a new dish in new restaurants. The number one problem is choosing the restaurant. It is much more difficult if we reside in bigger cities where there are many choices of restaurants. The next problem is choosing the food from the menu. The third problem is understanding and setting expectations for that dish.
The above three problems are only for cuisine that you already know about. What if you are in a restaurant and do not have any clue about the menu items and their tastes? These are the difficulties often faced by everyone, including you and me.
Very difficult, right?
So, this post is an effort to solve some doubts about Indian cuisines, such as: What is Paneer Tika Masalla? the most favorite menu item in the restaurant. This is one of the items which you usually find in any Indian restaurant, whether it is small or more significant. Furthermore, this dish will be at the top of the menu list in any restaurant.
What is paneer tikka masala?
For some, it may sound delicious and mouthwatering. And for some, it may sound strange. Wikipedia sheds little light on it and says,” an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer marinated in spices.” In a broader sense, Paneer tikka masala is cottage cheese cooked in spicy gravy.
- Paneer - an Indian version of cottage cheese.
- Tikka - small pieces of vegetables are made, which are all marinated in a spicy mixture
- Masala - means your gravy made with spices. Eldridge gravy is made with spices.
To put it together, paneer tikka masala means cottage cheese chunk marinated in a spicy mixture and then attitude gravy gravy. Let's see how it's made.
What is paneer, and how to make it?
We make paneer from fresh milk. To make paneer at home, boil milk and allow them to cuddle by adding vinegar. Drain the whey water by hanging it in a cheesecloth. And then cut them into small cubes.
Alternatively, you may also use store-bought, which is equally excellent and delicious. This will reduce the cooking time in half.
Where to buy paneer cheese paneer cheese?
So far, that is what paneer tikka masala is all about. Ready to make it at home now?
Start building your shopping list for making this dish at home. First, Paneer cheese can be purchased in any of your nearby Indian stores. Depending on your area, half a pound of paneer may cost between $3 and $6.
There are many other online stores selling paneer. I have also seen a couple of leading stores that carry paneer. Unfortunately, my local store does not carry paneer.
How to marinate paneer?
There are many variations available for marinations. There are three types of ingredients needed for marination.
- Tenderrizer: Yogurt/curd, lemon juice.
- For heat: chili powder.
- For flavoring: coriander powder, cumin powder, crushed kasuri methi, chat masala, crushed pepper and many more
It can be marinated with these ingredients and may include other ingredients according to the preference.
How long can Paneer be Marinated?
Paneer does not need substantial marinating time. The perfect tikka can be found anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes. This marination can be made ahead of the day and should be refrigerated. Please bear in mind that paneer is made from fresh milk. So it has to be refrigerated all the time and taken out just a few minutes before cooking.
How to cook paneer Tikka?
Paneer tikka can be cooked on the stovetop, grilled, or baked. But it is authentically made in a Tandoor oven, which is made of clay and has a cooking temperature of more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to store paneer?
Paneer can be stored by freezing or refrigerating only. Leaving them on the kitchen counter at room temperature is definitely a no-no. I always prefer to store them in refrigeration, as they are ready to use anytime.
It is good to store for about 1 to 2 weeks on the first shelf of the refrigerator. Please note that the paneer is made from fresh milk; we have to follow the same method for storing milk.
How to serve Paneer tikka?
Paneer tikka can be served in two ways. As an appetizer or as a side dish. While serving, I suggest sprinkling some chat masala and drizzling lemon juice. This would elevate the taste and flavor. Mint chutney or coriander chutney would be the perfect condiments.
What is Paneer tikka masala?
A spicy gravy made with paneer tikka. The same tikka can be used to make paneer tikka masala. Rice and naan bread would be the perfect choice to be served with paneer tikka masala.
Other recipes you may like,
Paneer tikka masala or paneer butter masala?
They may sound similar but are cooked with different spices and ingredients. Paneer tikka masala will be cooked with spices before adding to the gravy. Paneer butter masala may not need to be cooked with spices before adding to the recipe. I would say paneer tikka masala would be spicier when compared with paneer butter masala.
So, now you have learned What are paneer tikka masala and its required ingredients.
Sources:
Pankti
A lot of good information there!! Very well written..
Wni
Had some paneer in my fridge that I was wondering how to cook, so I tried your recipe. It turned really good. Love the flavours!
Tavo
Loved this paneer tikka recipe! It came out deliciously! I am making it again, my husband loved it!
nancy
thanks for the detailed info on paneer tikka masala
kushigalu
one of my favorite Indian recipe. This is a very detailed post. Thanks
Janessa
Very informative! I have seen paneer tikka masala on the menu at restaurants before but had never ordered it since I didn't know what to expect. I'll be trying it next time now that I know.
Dannii
This is one of my favourite ways to cook with paneer. So much flavour.