Description
Paneer Tikka Masala with Cashew Sauce is an Indian-inspired vegetarian dish that features paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated with yogurt and spices, grilled or pan-fried, and then simmered in a rich cashew-based masala sauce. The sauce itself is creamy and thickened with cashews, which add a velvety smooth texture and a mild sweetness that balances the bold spices in the dish.
Ingredients
For the paneer tikka:
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 4 tsp yogurt
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tsp oil
For the sautéed veggies:
- 3 onions, chopped
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper), chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
For the cashew masala sauce:
- 12–15 cashews, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ cup tomato purée
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tsp cream
Instructions
- Marinate the paneer:
- Mix yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and oil.
- Coat paneer cubes and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry paneer:
- Cook until golden and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a pan, cook onions, capsicum, and tomato until tender. Set aside.
- Make cashew paste:
- Blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Heat oil, add cumin seeds, then sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste.
- Add tomato purée, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
- Stir in cashew paste and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cream for richness.
- Combine:
- Add grilled paneer and sautéed veggies to the sauce.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with kasoori methi and fresh coriander.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the paneer marinate a little longer before cooking. Pair this dish with naan, jeera rice, or paratha for a complete restaurant-style meal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) just before serving can also elevate the taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Paneer Tikka with Cashew Sauce, Cashew Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetarian Tikka Masala with Cashew Sauce