Paneer tikka masala

One of my friends had a fractured ankle and could barely walk. Something that can cheer anybody is a snack! Moreover, my friend's a foodie and had an intense craving for spicy Paneer tikka masala. So there goes my story that led to this exotic preparation of the Indian cuisine.

Ingredients: serves 4


Paneer: About 20 - 1/2 inch cubes
Peppers (Serrano or green chillies): 1 or 2 (depending on how spicy you like your food!!!)
Onions: 2 (medium sized - thinly sliced)
Tomatoes: 1 (medium sized - finely chopped) or 3 tblsp tomato puree

Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp

Coriander powder: 3/4 tsp

Corn starch: 1 tblsp

Sugar: 1/2 tsp

Garam masala: 1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Cilantro: 2-3 stems (chopped)

Marinade:
Chilli powder: 1 tsp

Coriander powder: 1 tsp

Crushed ginger: 1 tblsp

Crushed garlic: 1 tblsp

Salt: 1/2 tsp

Vegetable oil: 2-3 tblsp

Yogurt: 1 tblsp

Procedure:

In a bowl, mix the ingredients of the marinade. Add the paneer cubes to it and rub each piece to evenly spread the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. Heat oil in a pot and saute the marinated paneer cubes for about 3-5 minutes till they turn golden brown in color. Keep aside. You can choose to use the same pot to make the gravy. 

Gravy:

Heat oil in a pot. Saute green chillies for about a minute, add onions and saute till they turn translucent. Mix in chopped tomatoes or puree and fry until oil separates from the mixture. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt. In a small bowl, pour 4-5 table spoons of water and mix in the corn starch. Add this to the pot. If you want it saucy, I'd recommend you add about 3-4 additional spoons of water. Cook for about 1 or 2 minutes. Add sugar and garam masala. Mix in the paneer cubes. Cook for about a minute. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with hot Naan or rice. I definitely prefer Naan :)