Paneer Tikka Makhni Recipe


Paneer Tikka Makhni Recipe



30 mins
2-3 people
15 mins




Introduction

 

Let me share with you the delightful journey of discovering Paneer Tikka Makhni. It was during a family trip to India that I stumbled upon this exquisite dish. Nestled in a bustling street market, I encountered a small food stall where a skilled chef was grilling succulent paneer tikka skewers over hot charcoal. Intrigued by the enticing aroma, I eagerly ordered a plate. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a realm of culinary bliss. The creamy texture of the makhni sauce perfectly complemented the smoky flavor of the paneer tikka, leaving an indelible mark on my taste buds. Since that moment, Paneer Tikka Makhni has held a special place in my heart and on my dinner table.

 

 

 

Recipe of Paneer Tikka Makhni

 

Method:

 

For Makhni Gravy:

  1. Take a saucepan and add diced tomatoes along with water.
  2. Add cardamom powder, cloves, bay leaves, green chilies, coriander roots, chopped ginger, and garlic.
  3. Include cinnamon, black cardamom, medium-sized onion, and cashew nuts.
  4. Add water and oil, then mix everything well.
  5. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables become soft.
  6. Once cooked, remove all the whole spices from the gravy.
  7. Mash the gravy with a hand blender and strain it using a strainer.

For Tikka Masala Mix:

  1. Lukewarm some oil in a pan, then transfer it to a bowl.
  2. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, ginger-garlic paste, kasuri methi, and black salt.
  3. Mix everything well.
  4. Add hung curd and roasted chana dal powder for binding.
  5. Marinate paneer chunks in the masala mix for 10 to 15 minutes.

For Paneer Tikka:

  1. Heat some oil in a pan and add finely chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and a little water.
  2. Sauté for a while, then add the makhani gravy and cook until slightly reduced.
  3. Add butter and cream, then mix well.
  4. Season with salt, honey, roasted and crushed Kasuri methi, and coriander leaves.
  5. Add green chilies and tikka paneer chunks.
  6. Mix everything well and cook for a few minutes.
  7. Serve hot with rotis or parathas. Enjoy your delicious Paneer Tikka Makhni!

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Paneer Tikka Makhni is a harmonious fusion of two beloved Indian dishes - Paneer Tikka and Makhni gravy. The marinated paneer tikka pieces are grilled to perfection and then simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and butter. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining the smokiness of the grilled paneer with the velvety smoothness of the makhni sauce. Whether served as a main course or as part of a festive spread, Paneer Tikka Makhni never fails to impress with its irresistible taste and texture.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  1. Grilling Technique: Grill the marinated paneer tikka skewers until they are charred and golden brown on all sides for maximum flavor.

  2. Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the makhni sauce by adding more cream or water to achieve the desired thickness.

  3. Marinating Time: Allow the paneer cubes to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure they absorb the flavors of the marinade.

  4. Butter Infusion: Finish the dish by swirling in a knob of butter at the end to enhance the richness and flavor of the makhni sauce.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Paneer Tikka Makhni pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. For a complete meal, serve it alongside refreshing cucumber raita and a crisp green salad.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • Paneer Tikka Makhni is a fusion dish that combines grilled paneer tikka with creamy tomato-based Makhni gravy.
  2. Can I use store-bought paneer for Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • Yes, store-bought paneer works well for this recipe. However, homemade paneer adds a fresh and authentic touch.
  3. What spices are used in the marinade for Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • The marinade typically includes yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).
  4. How long should I grill the paneer for Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • Grill the paneer tikka skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are charred and cooked through.
  5. Can I make Paneer Tikka Makhni ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the paneer tikka and makhni sauce ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
  6. Is Paneer Tikka Makhni spicy?
    • The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by varying the amount of chili powder used in the marinade and sauce.
  7. What is the key ingredient in Makhni sauce?
    • The key ingredients in Makhni sauce are tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices.
  8. Can I freeze Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • While the paneer tikka can be frozen, the makhni sauce may separate upon thawing. It's best to assemble the dish fresh for optimal taste and texture.
  9. Can I make Paneer Tikka Makhni vegan?
    • Yes, you can substitute paneer with tofu and use plant-based cream and butter to make a vegan version of Paneer Tikka Makhni.
  10. What is the origin of Paneer Tikka Makhni?
    • Paneer Tikka Makhni is a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine, combining elements of North Indian and Mughlai cooking styles.