Preparing the Paneer Tikka Marinade: First, start by making the marinade for the paneer. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of spices such as red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. Add salt to taste and mix well. Now, gently coat the paneer cubes with this marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. (Time taken: 30 minutes)
Grilling the Paneer: Preheat the grill or oven to a high temperature. Skewer the marinated paneer pieces and grill them for about 15 minutes or until they develop a nice char on all sides. If using an oven, place them on a baking sheet and cook them at 200°C (400°F) for the same time. (Time taken: 15 minutes)
Making the Gravy: While the paneer is grilling, begin preparing the gravy. Heat oil or butter in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until they turn golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. Then, add chopped tomatoes, cook until soft, and blend the mixture into a smooth puree. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Cooking the Gravy: Return the smooth tomato puree to the pan. Add a pinch of sugar, along with garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, letting the spices bloom. Now, add cream or cashew paste to make the gravy rich and creamy. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes. (Time taken: 10 minutes)
Assembling the Dish: Once the paneer tikka is grilled, gently fold the grilled paneer cubes into the gravy. Let the paneer soak in the flavors for a couple of minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of freshness. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Serving: Serve the Paneer Tikka Masala hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. The rich flavors of the tikka masala combined with the softness of the paneer create a perfect harmony of textures and taste. (Time taken: 2 minutes)
Total Time Taken: 72 minutes