Dhaba Style Tawa Paneer Masala

Tawa Paneer Masala is tempting, aromatic paneer recipe goes well with jeera rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.

Ingredients:
For grilled paneer and capsicum:-

• Paneer, cut into 1 inch cubes- 250 gm
• Capsicum, cut into 1 inch cubes- 2
• Chat masala- 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder- 1 tsp
• Salt- to taste
• Oil- as required

For gravy:

• Oil- 2 tbsp
• Butter- 1 tbsp
• Tomato- 3 med (boil and make puree)
• Onion, finely chopped- 2 med or 1½ cup
• Red chilli powder- ½ to 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder- ½ tsp
• Carom seeds (ajwain)- ¼ tsp
• Cumin seeds (jeera)- ½ tsp
• Caraway seeds or Black cumin seeds (shahi jeera)- ¼ tsp
• Coriander powder- ½ tsp
• Garam masala- ½ tsp
• Kasuri methi- ¼ tsp
• Ginger garlic paste- 2 tsp
• Green chilli, finely chopped- 1
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped- 2 tbsp
• Fresh cream- 2 tbsp to ¼ cup (optional)

Method:

• Cut paneer into 1 inch cubes and marinate with chilli powder, chaat masala and salt. Keep aside for 15-20 minutes.
  
• Heat little oil on the tawa or grill pan. Add capsicum cubes and sprinkle a little salt on them. Stirfry for 2-3 minutes. 
  
• Stirfry or grill marinated paneer on the same tawa. 
  
• Heat oil on a tawa or pan and add the ajwain and cumin seeds. Let cumin seeds crackled. 
• Add the onions and a little salt. Saute till they turn brown. 
  
• Add shahi jeera, ginger-garlic paste, tomato purée and saute for a minute.
• Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder and cook till the oil separates from the gravy. Keep aside.
  
• Add butter and mix well.
• Add the fried paneer cubes, fried capsicum, garam masala and salt. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
  
• Add kasuri methi and green chillies. Give a nice stir for a minute.
  
• If you want to add fresh cream, add it now and mix gently for a while.
• Garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Note: 
If you like a creamy texture of gravy or mild flavours then add cream. Otherwise, it tastes great without cream also.