Paneer Tika Masala

Phase 1 - Complete One Day in Advance

Ingredients

  • 2 Blocks Paneer Cheese
  • 2 Anaheim Peppers

Spice Blend

  • 2 Tbsp Garam Masala
  • 3 Tsp Cumin Powder
  • 2 Tsp Coriander Powder
  • 2 Tsp Curry Leaf Powder
  • 1 Tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 Tsp Chile Powder

Marinade

  • 1 Serving Plain Yoghurt
  • 0.25 Cups Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 1 Tsp Salt

Procedure

  1. Mix together all of the spice blend ingredients.
  2. Slice the paneer cheese into cubes (approximately 1 cubic centimeter or smaller)
  3. Remove the seeds from the peppers and slice to a similar size as the cubed cheese
  4. Combine all of the marinade ingredients with half of the spice blend, save the rest of the spice blend for later.
  5. Coat the cheese and peppers thoroughly with the yoghurt marinade.
  6. Store the marinating cheese and peppers in the fridge overnight, or for at least several hours.

Phase 2 - Cooking

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cups Cashew Nuts
  • 1 can Tomatoes
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic
  • 2 Tbsp Ghee
  • Salt
  • Spice blend (from phase 1)
  • Cubed & Marinated Paneer and Peppers (from phase 1)

Procedure

  1. Dice the onion
  2. Pre-heat a large/medium pot on medium-high heat
  3. Place the ghee into the pot while it is heating
  4. Fry the remaining spice blend in the ghee for approximately 1.5 minutes, stir vigorously.
  5. Add the onions and garlic then saute for 6 minutes, add 0.5 tsp salt
  6. Add the cashews and continue to saute until the onions are caramelized (brown)
  7. Add the canned tomatoes, and mix.
  8. Cover and simmer the whole mixture for 30 minutes on low heat, stir occasionally during this time
  9. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes
  10. Using a blender or immersion blender, blend until smooth
  11. Pre-heat the oven to 450F/230C (use convection if available)
  12. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray
  13. Spread the cheese and peppers onto the baking tray in a thin layer
  14. Roast for 10 minutes
  15. Turn over the cheese cubes and peppers
  16. Switch the oven to High Broil mode, and move rack to second highest position
  17. Broil the cheese and peppers for 4 minutes
  18. Remove the cheese and peppers from the oven and add to the pot.
  19. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, add additional salt if needed