By Rajlakshmi
February 17, 2026
Paneer tikka masala is an Indian dish of marinated paneer served in spiced gravy. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka masala and tastes as yummy as it looks!
1 ½ tsp degi red chilli powder ¼ tsp garam masala A pinch of asafoetida 1½ tbsp mustard oil Salt, to taste ½ tbsp, ginger-garlic paste ½ cup hung curd ½ tbsp roasted gram flour 400 gms paneer Oil as needed 2 dry red chillies 2 green cardamoms 4 medium-sized tomatoes ½-inch ginger 2-3 garlic cloves
2 medium-sized white onions ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 2 cups water 6 cashews 1 tbsp ghee 2 tbsps butter 2-3 bay leaves 1 large onion, chopped 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp red chilli powder 1 tsp coriander powder ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 large tomato, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh cream
In a bowl, add degi chilli powder, garam masala, asafoetida, mustard oil, salt, ginger-garlic paste, hung curd, roasted gram flour, and paneer. Mix.
Heat oil and roast paneer tikka. Cook from all sides, transfer onto the plate, and set aside for use later.
Heat oil. Add dry red chillies, green cardamom, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and white onion. Saute.
Add turmeric powder, degi chilli powder, coriander powder and saute on a medium flame for 4-5 minutes. Add water and mix.
Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tomatoes are soft. Add cashews and boil. Transfer it into a mixer-grinder and make a smooth paste.
In a shallow pan, add ghee and butter. Add bay leaves, onions, ginger garlic paste, degi chilli powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Saute.
Add prepared paneer tikka and mix. Cook for 2-4 minutes on low flame. Finish with one tbsp of fresh cream.