A Rich & Creamy Delight
✅ Prep Time: 15 mins | ✅ Cook Time: 25 mins | ✅ Total Time: 40 mins | ✅ Servings: 4
🌟 Introduction
Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most loved North Indian dishes, featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy, buttery tomato gravy. This restaurant-style dish is rich, mildly spiced, and packed with flavors, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, special occasions, or even a simple indulgence at home.
Want to make the perfect Paneer Butter Masala at home? Follow this step-by-step recipe and bring the magic of restaurant flavors to your kitchen!
📝 Ingredients
For the Gravy Base:
✔ 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
✔ 1 tbsp oil
✔ 1 large onion (chopped)
✔ 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)
✔ 8-10 cashews (soaked)
✔ 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
✔ 1-2 green chilies (optional)
Spices:
✔ 1 tsp red chili powder
✔ ½ tsp turmeric powder
✔ 1 tsp garam masala
✔ 1 tsp coriander powder
✔ ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
✔ Salt to taste
Other Ingredients:
✔ 200g paneer (cubed)
✔ ½ cup fresh cream
✔ 1 cup water or milk (adjust consistency)
✔ 1 tbsp honey or sugar (for balanced taste)
✔ Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
1️⃣ Prepare the Gravy Base
🔹 Heat butter & oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
🔹 Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
🔹 Add tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until oil separates.
🔹 Blend this mixture with soaked cashews into a smooth paste.
2️⃣ Cook the Masala
🔹 In the same pan, add butter and the blended gravy.
🔹 Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
🔹 Stir in kasuri methi, honey, and garam masala for authentic flavors.
3️⃣ Add Paneer & Cream
🔹 Pour in water/milk to adjust the gravy consistency.
🔹 Gently add paneer cubes and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
🔹 Stir in fresh cream for a rich, silky texture.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
🔹 Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
🔹 Serve hot with butter naan, roti, or jeera rice.
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Paneer Butter Masala
✔ Use fresh, soft paneer – Store-bought paneer can be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
✔ For extra creaminess, add more cashews – This enhances the richness of the gravy.
✔ Do not overcook the paneer – Overcooked paneer turns chewy. Simmer just for a few minutes.
✔ Adjust spice levels – If you like it spicier, add more red chili or a pinch of black pepper.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Paneer Butter Masala pairs best with:
✔ Butter Naan – The soft, fluffy texture complements the creamy gravy.
✔ Jeera Rice – The mild cumin flavors balance the richness of the dish.
✔ Lachha Paratha – Adds a crispy, layered bite to your meal.
❓ FAQs
💬 Q: Can I make it vegan?
✅ Yes! Replace paneer with tofu, butter with vegan butter, and cream with coconut milk for a vegan version.
💬 Q: How long can I store Paneer Butter Masala?
✅ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
💬 Q: Can I use canned tomato puree?
✅ Yes, but fresh tomatoes give a better, natural taste. If using canned puree, adjust the sugar quantity.
📢 Try & Share Your Experience!
Did you try this Paneer Butter Masala recipe? 💛
🔹 Comment below and let us know how it turned out!
🔹 Have a different way of making it? Share your variations in the comments!
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