Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala

a sweet and aromatic dinner for two

Posted On: Feb, 10 |  Author:
Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala
Diet Info: DF GF F LF Na LS VG V Fa

I am sure you had Tikka Masala in Indian Restaurants many times. It is so famous, loved and prepared all over the world now-a-days that Tikka Masala is no longer an Indian delicacy. If you looking forward to make special dinner for your Valentine this week, consider making sweet, spicy and aromatic Tikka Masala with rice, Indian style naan bread and a bottle of Cabernet. I promise, you will thank me for making this a grand day for you and your valentine. I often shirk from making sweet cakes and puddings for Valentine ’s Day, rather we love enjoying a special dinner just for two of us. We eat Tikka Masala very often, but this time I decided to make it little special for Valentine’s Day. This tikka masala has a sweet surprise of lychee nuts.

Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala | chefdehome.com

If you like Tikka Masala, like I do, you will adore this lychee Tikka Masala Sauce. A bite of flavorful tikka masala gravy with sweet and juicy lychees, will just melt in your mouth. The perfect combination of sweet and spicy like match made in heaven!

Sauce has beautiful lush color; aroma and richness which will win your valentine’s heart.

Not just for valentine, you can also pamper yourself with this scrumptious curry sauce.

Serve Tikka Masala with some naan bread or steamed rice on the side and enjoy!!

A few more easy Curries and Paneer Recipes:

Dum Paneer Kali Mirch Easy Indian Tikka Masala Sauce Restaurant Style Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker

Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala

Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala
Total Time: Prep Time: Cook Time: Cuisine: Indian () Difficulty: Easy
Yields: 4 Cups of Sauce - Serves: 2
(With bread, tikka masala has good 4 servings.)

Ingredients

Smart Swap: Can't find Paneer? You can also use pressed firm tofu instead of paneer.

Directions

  • Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 1. Heat butter in a pan, when melted, add garam masala and cook until fragrant (30-40 secs). Now add sliced onion, ginger and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes or until onions are slightly soft. Don't let garlic burn.
    Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 2. Add tomato sauce, water, salt, pepper , and honey. Mix well and bring to boil on high heat.
  • Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 3. Reduce heat to medium and let sauce cook for 10-12 minutes or until sauce gets signature deep red color and is reduced to 3/4 of original liquid.
    Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 4. In meantime, heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan. Slice paneer/tofu to small length-wise rectangular pieces. Add paneer or tofu to hot pan and fry it until crisp brown from 2-3 sides. Paneer will take about 4-5 minutes (1-2 minute per side), tofu might take a little longer. Additional Notes: Remove excess moisture from paneer/tofu before frying to avoid oil splashes. I have used homemade paneer, so pieces are little uneven. Store bought paneer will give you perfect rectangle pieces.
  • Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 5. Add lychees and 1/4 cup of lychee juice into the simmering gravy. Taste and adjust the salt.
    Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 6. Also add crispy paneer pieces and 2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust per taste). Continue cooking for two more minutes and then remove from heat.
  • Step for Recipe - Lychee Paneer Tikka Masala 7. Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves. Serve with fresh steamed rice or naan bread for your special Valentine. Happy Valentine's Day
Savita's Notes:

Took these pictures while using leftover Tikka Masala to make Masala Pasta, will be posting recipe very soon posted recipe here . Save some sauce for delicious homemade masala pasta :)

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @SAVITACHEFDEHOME on Instagram and hashtag it #SAVITACHEFDEHOME

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7 Responses

  1. Hi Savita, can you substitute Haloumi for the paneer? I've had palak saag paneer at a restaurant in Sydney about 20 years ago and I thought it was divine, but can't remember how the cheese tasted on its own. Is it salty like Haloumi?
    Hi Belindan, paneer is not salted. It is plain cheese made with just milk and curdling agent such as diluted vinegar. So, it usually has very subtle hint of tang but no salt. However, I think Haloumi will go good with masala sauce. Fried haloumi might be little more chewy in texture compared to paneer. I also have a restaurant style Saag Paneer recipe on blog. Feel free to check. I hope it helps. Also, I hope you get chance to make it at home soon. Enjoy!
  2. Great idea of lychee. However its not easy to find. I am going to try this with pineapple pieces. Take care.
  3. Thank you. I was in the middle of making it and had to guess but it still turned out great and I know for next time. Better than another recipe I tried of this dish from another site and great for beginners :)
    :) Thanks, Allie! I'm glad Tikka Masala turned out great and you enjoyed it. I appreciate you stopping by and share your feedback.
  4. How much water do you add in step 2 I don't see it on the ingredient list
    Allie, sauce will need 1 cup of water. thanks for bringing this to my notice. I have updated the recipe. Happy cooking!