Paneer Tikka Masala

For last month’s Blog Hop Wednesday, I was paired with Vidya of Kurry Leaves Blog. I know I am late, but it is better to be late than never. Last month I was missing net connections due to house shifting. As soon as Radhika announced the pairs, I selected this recipe from Vidya’s blog. When I visited my mom, I prepared this delicious masala along with Varqui paratha for our lunch. It was a hit among all. Every one liked it and the gravy was finished during lunch itself. I had to keep a bowl of this masala hidden for taking snaps. Thanks Vidya for the wonderful recipe.

Recipe Source: Vidya
Ingrdients:
Paneer(cubed)-250 gms
For marinade:
Ginger paste-1/2 tsp
Garlic paste- 1/2tsp
Garam masala-1/4 tsp
Kashmiri chili powder-1 tsp
Kasuri methi-1/4 tsp
Yogurt-3 tbsp
Lemon juice-1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
For gravy/sauce
Onion(medium)-2 nos
Tomato (small)-2 nos
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Bay leaf- 1 no
Ginger (crushed)-1 tsp
Garlic(crushed)-1tsp
Kashmiri chili powder-1 to 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Garam masala-1/4 tsp
Fresh cream-11/2 tbsp
Coriander leaves chopped-1 tbsp
Water-3/4 to 1 cup
Kasuri methi -1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil


Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl.
2. Add the cubed paneer to it and fold in gently.
3. Keep it aside for 30 minutes.
4. Take a tsp of oil on a non stick tawa and arrange he paneer pieces on he tawa.
5. Cook on medium flame until all the sides become golden and crisp. Keep on turning the pieces while cooking.
6. Finish off all the pieces the same way and keep them aside.
7. Heat oil in a pan and add bay leaf and cumin seeds.
8. When they crackle, add ginger garlic paste and tomato onion paste.
9. Add salt and saute until oil separates.
10. Reduce flame to low and add all the spice powders.Saute for 5 minutes.
11. Add enough water to prepare the gravy. 
12. When it starts boiling, add paneer and crushed kasuri methi.
13. Cover and cook for 3-4minutes.
14. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro. 
15. Serve hot with Varqui Paratha.