If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ve probably tried Tawa Paneer at your favorite restaurant. This delectable dish, featuring soft, marinated paneer cubes cooked in a flavorful mix of spices, is a crowd-pleaser. But did you know that you can make this restaurant-style Tawa Paneer Masala at home? The best part is, once you try this recipe, you’ll likely forget about ordering it from a hotel! Let’s dive into how you can prepare this scrumptious dish with ease.
Ingredients Needed:
For Tawa Paneer:
- 250 grams of paneer (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium tomato (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnishing)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For Marination:
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Paneer:
- Begin by marinating the paneer cubes. In a bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cubed paneer to this marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. For better flavor, you can refrigerate it for an hour or two.
2. Prepare the Tawa Paneer Masala:
- Heat a tawa (or a flat pan) over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee.
- Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Now, add the tomato puree and cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
- Add the dry spices: red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
3. Cook the Marinated Paneer:
- Gently add the marinated paneer cubes to the masala, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the paneer.
- Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the spices. You can drizzle a little water if the masala appears too thick.
- Once the paneer is cooked and the masala is well-coated, remove the pan from the heat.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish your Tawa Paneer with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice. Pair it with a cool raita or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Tawa Paneer:
- Paneer Quality: Fresh, soft paneer works best for this recipe. If you use store-bought paneer, soak it in warm water for 15-20 minutes to make it softer.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add more green chilies or chili powder.
- Grilling Option: For added flavor, you can grill the marinated paneer cubes on a tawa or grill pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the masala.
- Tawa Cooking: Cooking the paneer on a flat, wide tawa allows the pieces to cook evenly and gives them a deliciously crisp exterior.
Why Make Tawa Paneer at Home?
Making Tawa Paneer at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and spices. You can adjust the level of heat, customize the flavors, and ensure the paneer is cooked just the way you like it. Plus, it’s healthier and more cost-effective than ordering it at a restaurant!
The combination of creamy paneer and spicy masala will surely make this dish a favorite in your household. Enjoy your homemade Tawa Paneer and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
Conclusion:
This Tawa Paneer recipe brings the rich, aromatic flavors of restaurant-style cooking into your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a special dinner or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish will quickly become a regular feature on your menu. Try it today, and you’ll never want to order it from a hotel again!
