RECIPES FOR RAMADAN: PANEER TIKKA MASALA INDIA

 

Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe:

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka:

- 400g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt to taste

- Vegetable oil for grilling

For Masala Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, pureed

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Marinating Paneer:

   - In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt to taste.

   - Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Grilling Paneer:

   - Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

   - Thread marinated paneer cubes onto skewers. Grill the paneer skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Preparing Masala Sauce:

   - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

   - Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   - Add tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, stirring occasionally.

   - Sprinkle red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt to taste. Cook the masala for a few minutes to allow the spices to bloom.

   - Pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer the masala sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Assembling Paneer Tikka Masala:

   - Gently add grilled paneer cubes to the masala sauce, stirring carefully to coat them evenly.

   - Simmer the paneer tikka masala for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

   - Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Significance in Ramadan:

Paneer Tikka Masala is a popular and indulgent dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, creamy sauce and aromatic spices. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink. When it comes time to break the fast during iftar, it is customary to enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals with family and friends.

Paneer Tikka Masala holds significance during Ramadan as it offers a hearty and nourishing option for iftar. The creamy sauce and tender paneer cubes provide essential nutrients and energy to replenish the body after a day of fasting. Additionally, the aromatic spices used in the masala sauce not only add depth of flavor but also aid in digestion, making it an ideal dish to enjoy during the evening meal.

Furthermore, sharing meals like Paneer Tikka Masala during Ramadan fosters a sense of community and togetherness among family members and loved ones. Breaking the fast with a delicious and comforting dish like this creates memorable moments of bonding and celebration, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and gratitude that characterizes the holy month of Ramadan.