Paneer tikka masala

Source - kurryleaves.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

Paneer - 250 gm , cubed
Onion (medium) - 2 , chopped
Tomato ( small) - 2 ,  chopped
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chilly powder - 1/4 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Kasuri methi  ( Dried fenugreek leaves) - 1/4 tsp
Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp , chopped
Bay leaf - 1
Cumin seed - 1/2 tsp
Water - 1 cup
Cream - 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil


Marinade

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Red Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Kasuri methi - 1/4 tsp
Curd -3 tbsp
Lime juice - 1 tsp
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Combine all the ingredients under the marinade . Add paneer and mix well. Keep aside for 30 minutes.  Shallow fry these paneer pieces on a non-stick tawa till the pieces are golden brown , turning sides in between.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in  pan, add the onion and fry for few minutes, say 3-4 minutes. Then add chopped tomatoes and fry for another 3 minutes. Allow it to cool and grind it to a smooth paste .
3. Bring the same pan over to the flame, and add 1 tbsp oil. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Once the cumin seeds  splutter, add the onion-tomato paste and allow it to cook for another 5 minutes or until oil separates.
4. Then add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder, garam masala and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour water to this mixture and allow it to boil .
6. Then add the fried paneer cubes and kasuri methi and cook on low flames for 3-4 minutes.
7. Add cream and cook for another 1 minute. Turn off the heat and garnish it with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with chapatti or naan!!Enjoy!

Notes:

1. Addition of kasuri methi is a must. It bring the sweet smell of tikka masala