Paneer Tikka Masala with Pumpkin Gravy
Author: 
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • About 1 lb. paneer, cut into ¾ inch dice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, for garnish
For Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For Gravy:
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil or butter or coconut oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, finely minced
  • 2 inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ginger powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¾ cup butternut squash or pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • Juice of ½ a lime or lemon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Combine ingredients of marinade into a medium mixing bowl. Add paneer and toss to coat with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread paneer evenly on sheet and bake until light golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Heat oil or butter in a wok or a frying pan until simmering. Sauté shallot, green chili, garlic, and ginger with spices until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and sauté for a minute. Add pumpkin or squash puree, kasuri methi, lime or lemon juice and stir to combine everything. Season with salt and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add the baked paneer and stir with the gravy. Adjust the seasoning and let paneer cook with gravy for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so that gravy does not stick to bottom. Add heavy cream, stir and let the gravy and paneer cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm with Nan or Paratha.
Recipe by Lovely Masala at http://www.lovelymasala.com/paneer-tikka-masala/