Tawa Paneer Recipe

Paneer, with its creamy texture and versatile nature, holds a cherished place in Indian cuisine. Among the myriad ways to prepare this beloved dairy product, one method stands out for its distinctive flavor and ease of preparation – Tawa Paneer. This delectable dish, cooked on a hot griddle or ‘tawa’, marries the richness of paneer with a medley of aromatic spices, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that never fails to impress.
Spicy Tawa Paneer Masala
Ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil on a tawa or a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a crunch.
- Gently add the paneer cubes and toss them in the masala. Be careful not to break the paneer.
- Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the paneer is heated through.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the mixture and toss it well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.