Paneer proves to be an exceptional component of Indian food and vegetarian cuisine, offering a plethora of possibilities.
Paneer, an Indian cheese crafted from curdled milk and typically using lemon juice or other fruit or vegetable acids, boasts unique characteristics that define its identity:
- Unaged: Paneer is renowned as an unaged cheese, which means it does not require a prolonged aging process like many other kinds of cheese.
- Softness: With its soft and delicate texture, Paneer offers a delightful contrast to the denser and more challenging varieties of cheese.
- Non-melting: Unlike several melting kinds of cheese, Paneer retains its form and structure even when heated, making it an intriguing addition to various culinary creations.
Here is the link to Desi Fresh Foods’ delicious paneer.
What Is Exactly An Indian Simmer Sauce?
An Indian simmer sauce is a flavorful and aromatic sauce typically used in Indian cuisine.
It is a versatile sauce with various flavors and can prepare different Indian dishes.
The sauce is typically made by blending spices, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes yogurt or cream to create a vibrant base.
The purpose of an Indian simmer sauce is to infuse the dish with complex flavors and create a harmonious balance of spices.
It is called a “simmer” sauce because it is meant to be simmered over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop over time.
This slow cooking process helps enhance the sauce’s depth and intensity.
Indian simmer sauces can vary in spiciness, from mild to hot, depending on the specific recipe or regional preferences.
They can be used as a base for various curries, stews, or sautéed dishes, providing a convenient way to add authentic Indian flavors to home-cooked meals. These sauces are widely available in stores or made from scratch using traditional Indian ingredients and techniques.
Why Use Simmered Sauces on Paneer?
Simmer sauces are an excellent choice to accompany paneer due to several reasons:
Flavor infusion
Paneer has a mild and delicate taste, making it a perfect canvas to absorb and showcase the flavors of simmered sauces.
Simmering the sauce allows the spices, herbs, and other ingredients to blend and permeate the paneer, resulting in a harmonious and flavorful combination.
Enhanced texture
Paneer’s firm texture pairs well with simmered sauces’ thick and creamy consistency.
The sauce coats the paneer pieces, adding moisture and richness while creating a velvety mouthfeel that complements the cheese’s softness.
Balanced spice levels
Simmered sauces are often prepared with a balance of spices, allowing you to control the heat level according to your preference.
This versatility ensures that the paneer and sauce harmonize well together without overpowering the natural flavors of the cheese.
Traditional pairing
Paneer is commonly used in various Indian dishes, and simmered sauces are a staple in Indian cuisine.
Combining paneer with a simmered sauce, such as tikka masala or makhani, is a classic and well-loved choice in Indian vegetarian cooking.
Using simmered sauces on paneer elevates the overall taste experience by adding depth, complexity, and moisture to the cheese, resulting in a delectable vegetarian dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
You are cordially invited to savor the exquisite flavors of Paneer Tikka Masala in your home as in an Indian restaurant!
Indulge in this irresistible dish featuring succulent cubes of paneer, marinated and cooked to perfection in a delightful blend of spices.
The creamy and aromatic Desi Fresh Foods Tikka Masala sauce will envelop your taste buds, accompanied by the burst of sweetness from the peas.
Optionally garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, this culinary masterpiece promises a memorable vegetarian experience.
Join us and embark on a flavorful journey that celebrates the richness of Indian cuisine.
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– One block of paneer weighing around 8 or 10 ounces, cut into cubes measuring approximately 3/4 inch each
– One restaurant quality Desi Natural Tikki Masala Simmered Sauce
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– Optional: 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves
Paneer Tikka Masala Preparation
Here’s how we prepare the classic Paneer Tikka Masala recipe:
Step 1:
Use medium heat and pour vegetable oil into a special pan or Dutch oven that prevents food from sticking.
Put in the cubed paneer, and stir them until they turn a little brown on all sides.
Step 2:
Next, add the Tikka Masala sauce to the pan.
Partially cover it with a lid and let it simmer.
Cook gently for about 10 minutes on low heat. This helps the paneer get warm and tasty.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add water to make it thinner.
Step 3:
After that, add peas to the pan. Let them cook in the sauce for a few minutes until they become warm and delicious.
Step 4:
Lastly, garnish with cilantro on top for extra flavor.
Serve the Paneer Tikka Masala with basmati rice, a fragrant type, or with Indian naan bread or flatbread.
When it comes to naan, heat it either in low heat in a cast iron skillet or directly over a flame until it develops a few brown spots. Once it’s nicely warmed, add a dollop of butter on top for extra richness.
It’s ready to enjoy!
What is the difference between paneer tikka and paneer masala?
“Tikka” in Paneer Tikka Masala means that the paneer cubes are marinated and grilled. Marinating means the paneer is soaked in a unique mixture of spices and other ingredients to make it extra tasty. After marinating, the cubed paneer is cooked on a grill or in an oven until it gets a slightly charred or grilled texture.
“Masala” can mean a mix of different spices. In the case of Paneer Tikka Masala, it refers to a flavorful and spiced gravy or sauce. This gravy is made by mixing various spices, herbs, and other ingredients to create a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the grilled paneer. The masala is what gives the dish its delicious and distinctive taste.
So, in summary, “Tikka” means marinated and grilled, and “Masala” refers to the flavorful spiced gravy the grilled paneer is served in. Combining these elements creates the mouthwatering dish known as Paneer Tikka Masala.
Are there any substitutes for tikka masala paste that I could use?
When short on ingredients, you can rely on curry powder as a substitute for garam masala. While curry powder may not have the exact blend of warming spices, it still adds a delightful flavor to curry dishes.
Alternatively, you can create your substitute by combining a mixture of garam masala, cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. This combination will help capture the essence of garam masala and infuse your dishes with a well-rounded and aromatic taste.
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
If you want to prepare the non-vegetarian version of this recipe, here are more recipes to follow:
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Paneer Butter Masala is a delicious dish where paneer chunks are cooked in creamy tomato and onion sauce with a generous amount of butter. It is then topped with a dollop of fresh cream.
We recommend using a butter chicken simmer sauce for the recipe. It’s important to note that the sauce is vegetarian despite its name.
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
– 4 tablespoons of butter
– 1/2 cup of water
– One block of paneer weighing around 8 or 10 ounces, cut into cubes measuring approximately 3/4 inch each
– One restaurant quality Desi Natural Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce
– 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (or substitute with Greek yogurt)
– Coriander for garnish
– Salt (optional)
Paneer Butter Masala Preparation
Let’s break down the steps for you:
Step 1:
In a cooking pan called a kadai, heat three tablespoons of butter with one teaspoon of oil.
Step 2:
Then, add the Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce.
Cook everything on medium heat until the oil separates from the masala.
Step 3:
Take the remaining butter and heat it in a non-stick pan.
Then, add the mixture to the pan and cook it for around two minutes.
After that, add the paneer pieces and a pinch of (optional) salt to the pan.
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of water. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for about five minutes.
Step 4:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in some cream.
The dish is now ready to be served hot.
You can garnish it with a sprig of fresh coriander and serve with rice.
You’ll enjoy a delicious Paneer Butter Masala by following these steps!
