As a lover of Indian cuisine, I have always been captivated by the rich and delicious flavors of masala dishes. And as a chef, I have spent countless hours perfecting my recipe for Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala – a dish that truly embodies the essence of Indian cooking.

For those who may not be familiar with paneer or tikka masala, let me explain. Paneer is a traditional Indian cheese that is similar in texture to tofu. Tikka Masala, on the other hand, is a spicy and flavorful curry that is usually made with meat, but can also be made with paneer for a vegetarian or paneer lovers’ option.

This particular recipe combines marinated pieces of grilled paneer with sautéed green capsicum, red onion, and tomato in a creamy and aromatic masala gravy. The flavors are complex and bold, yet perfectly balanced to create a dish that will undoubtedly leave you craving more.

So come along as I guide you through the process of creating this restaurant-style Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala – an Indian dish that will impress even the most discerning palate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you craving some Indian cuisine that is both flavorful and healthy? Look no further than Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala! This dish features a combination of marinated grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, crisp green capsicum, and a hearty tikka masala gravy. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the rich and aromatic blend of spices that lend this dish its distinctive flavor.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. This recipe can be customized to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions since it is vegetarian and gluten-free. Additionally, with its combination of complex carbohydrates and protein-rich paneer, this is also a meal that will keep you energized throughout your day.

Not only does this recipe offer incredible taste and nutrition, but it is also easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to whip up a restaurant-style paneer tikka masala in the comfort of your own home. You’ll save money on takeout while still enjoying the same delicious flavors that you love.

So why settle for boring meals when you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian cuisine in your own kitchen? Try out this recipe today and discover for yourself why Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine!

Ingredient List

Sizzling hot paneer and capsicum grilled to perfection

Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala Recipe Ingredient List:

Paneer: Indian cottage cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
Green capsicum: Also known as bell pepper, sliced into small cubes
Red onion: Chopped
Tomato: Cut into small cubes
Cilantro: Finely chopped
Ginger: Grated
Garlic: Finely chopped
Green chilies: Chopped (optional for those who like spicy food)
Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt or hung curd(yogurt strained through a cloth to remove the whey)
Unsalted butter
Peanuts and cashews: Crushed (optional)
Spices: cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, red chili powder and amchur powder (dried mango powder)

Note: You can find all the ingredients at your local Indian grocery store.

This recipe can be adapted for vegetarians by replacing chicken with paneer cheese.

The Recipe How-To

Our secret marinade makes all the difference!

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer and Capsicum

Take 250 grams of paneer and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
Cut one large green capsicum into similar-sized pieces.
You may also add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms to the mix to add to the flavor.

Step 2: Making the Marinade for Paneer Tikka

In a blender, grind together 4 cashews and 4 peanuts until they are finely powdered.
Add them to a mixing bowl along with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp of red chili powder, 1/2 tsp of turmeric, and salt to taste.
Mix everything well until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 3: Marinating the Paneer and Capsicum

Add all the paneer cubes and cubed green capsicum to the bowl of marinade.
Mix everything well to coat all pieces evenly.
Cover the bowl with a cling wrap and let it marinate in your refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 4: Grilling the Marinated Paneer and Capsicum

Heat some oil in a pan, once it’s hot add marinated cube paneer & capsicum.
Grill them until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Once they are done, transfer them to a plate.

Step 5: Making the Masala

In the same pan add, I have added 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Saute some finely chopped red onions, sliced green chilies, sliced garlic cloves till brown color appears also add handful chopped cilantro.
Add two crushed cardamoms, two cloves, a pinch of cinnamon powder, and saute for another minute.
Next, add half tsp cumin seeds and saute for 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Adding Spices to Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

Now its time to add all dry masala one by one like – 1 tsp amchur powder (optional), 1 tsp red chili powder, half tsp turmeric powder stir nicely till aromatic fragrance appears from masala
Note – you can adjust spice levels according to your taste buds.

Step 7: Adding Tomato Onion Puree in Masala

Add two-tomato purée or finely chopped tomatoes. Mix well with masala ensure mixing till it turns mushy.
Note – If you like curry thin consistency so you can add water accordingly.

Step 8: Putting Everything Together and Cooking Paneer Curry Recipe

Add grilled paneer &capsicum into masala gravy; mix gently until coated nicely to each paneer & capsicum pieces. Cook on low flame for few minutes till gravy coats nicely on paneer tikka masala. Check seasoning adjust accordingly

Substitutions and Variations

Who needs meat when you have paneer tikka masala?

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to the recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can try.

Firstly, if you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use regular salted butter but make sure to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly. Alternatively, you can use ghee for a richer flavor.

For those who are allergic to peanuts or cashews, they can be omitted from the recipe entirely without affecting the overall taste.

In terms of vegetables, I recommend using green capsicum as it pairs well with the other flavors in the dish. However, if you can’t find it at your local market, you can substitute it with any bell pepper of your choice. Also, feel free to experiment with other veggies such as eggplant or zucchini for some variety.

If you want to make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can substitute the cottage cheese (paneer) with tofu or another plant-based protein source. Replace plain yogurt with coconut yogurt and unsalted butter with coconut oil.

To add some heat to the dish, increase the number of green chilies used or add some red pepper flakes. Similarly, if you prefer a milder flavor profile, reduce the amount of spices used or eliminate them altogether.

Lastly, this recipe is versatile enough to make small tweaks and modifications to suit individual taste preferences so have fun experimenting!

Serving and Pairing

This dish will set your taste buds on fire!

When it comes to serving and pairing Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala, the possibilities are endless. This flavorful and spicy dish can be enjoyed with a variety of sides, breads, or rice.

To begin with, I love to serve this masala with a side of basmati rice. The nutty aroma and fluffy texture of the rice perfectly complement the creaminess of the paneer tikka masala. Additionally, naan bread or roti is also an excellent choice that completes the meal.

If you’re in the mood for some fresh veggies, try pairing this dish with a simple cucumber salad or kachumber. The coolness of these salads balances out the heat of the masala.

Furthermore, a lassi or mango lassi makes an excellent accompaniment for this dish. These yoghurt-based drinks are refreshing and provide relief from any spiciness while enhancing the overall experience.

For wine drinkers, try pairing Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala with a pinot noir or Chianti. Their fruity and earthy notes balance well with the spiciness of this curry.

Lastly, if there are leftovers, reheat them in a pan or microwave and enjoy as a quick meal. This masala can also be frozen for later use or kept in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Overall, Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala is a versatile dish that can be served with virtually anything you have on hand. Experiment with different sides and drinks to find the perfect pairing for your flavor preferences!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

A vegetarian twist on a classic Indian dish

When it comes to Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala, it’s always better to prepare and marinate the paneer and capsicum ahead of time. This savory Indian curry dish only gets better with time, as the flavors have the opportunity to fully develop.

To make ahead, simply marinate and grill the paneer and capsicum according to the recipe instructions up to two days in advance. Then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

If you have leftovers or want to meal prep for later, Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala can be easily stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For best results, reheat on a low flame on the stovetop or in the microwave with a few splashes of water to prevent it from drying out.

While reheating this flavor-packed curry may take away some of its freshness and texture, adding a dollop of fresh yogurt or cream can help bring back some moisture and balance out any overly spicy flavors.

Overall, Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala is an ideal make-ahead meal perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Not only is it easy to prepare ahead of time, but it also stores well for several days after cooking so you can enjoy it whenever you want without losing any of its deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Results

Tandoor-charred capsicum and paneer, anyone?

If you want to make sure your Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala turns out perfectly, here are some tips to help you along the way.

1. Cook the onions and capsicum separately

To ensure that the onions and capsicum cook evenly, it is best to cook them separately. This will allow them to caramelise properly, which will enhance the flavour of your dish.

2. Use fresh ingredients

Fresh ingredients will always result in a tastier meal than using stale or expired produce. When it comes to the ginger, garlic, and green chillies, try to use fresh ones rather than pre-packaged ones.

3. Invest in a good quality paneer

The texture of paneer can vary greatly depending on the brand you buy. You want to look for a brand that is firm and doesn’t crumble easily. If you can find homemade paneer or make it yourself, even better!

4. Don’t skimp on the spices

Spices are what give Indian cuisine its rich depth of flavour. Don’t be afraid to go heavy-handed with the spices, especially if you like your food spicy.

5. Marinate the paneer overnight

For best results, marinate the paneer overnight in the yoghurt and spice mixture. This will allow the flavours to penetrate into the cheese and give it a delicious taste.

6. Make your own spice blend

While store-bought spice blends can be convenient, making your own spice blend adds another layer of complexity to your dish. Experiment with different proportions of spices until you find one that you love.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala that rivals any restaurant-style dish!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala Recipe is a must-try for anyone who’s a fan of Indian cuisine or simply wants to taste something new and exotic. With its delicate blend of spices and creamy paneer texture, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to try something besides chicken curry, this recipe will not disappoint. Plus, the versatility of paneer makes it easy to substitute with other ingredients and variations.

So next time you’re in the mood for some homemade paneer curry, give this restaurant-style Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala Recipe a shot. You won’t regret it!

Delicious Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala Recipe – Try Today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredient List

The Recipe How-To

Substitutions and Variations

Serving and Pairing

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Tips for Perfect Results

Bottom Line

Paneer Capsicum Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

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