Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Paneer Butter Masala is a beloved North Indian dish that offers a creamy, flavorful base enriched with the goodness of soft paneer cubes. This vegetarian delight is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when served with naan or phulka. Here’s how you can prepare this iconic dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 200 grams |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 3 medium-sized |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh cream | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic cloves (crushed) | 6 cloves |
| Cashew nuts (soaked and ground) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Main Course
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Paneer Butter Masala
-
Prepare the Paste
Begin by preparing the paste for the curry. In a blender, combine the chopped onion, ginger, garlic, and soaked cashew nuts. Grind them into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside for later use. -
Cook the Onion Paste
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan on medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the freshly prepared onion paste. Sauté the paste until it turns a light golden brown. -
Add Spices and Tomato Puree
Next, add the red chili powder to the onion paste and stir well. Immediately add the pureed tomatoes and let it cook for a few minutes. Allow the mixture to thicken as it cooks, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Add Ground Spices and Simmer
After the tomatoes have cooked down, add cumin powder, garam masala powder, and about 1 cup of water to the pan. Mix everything together and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes. The sauce should become rich and aromatic. -
Incorporate Paneer and Cream
After simmering, add the paneer cubes to the pan along with the cream and salt. Stir gently to coat the paneer in the creamy tomato sauce. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the paneer is heated through and infused with the flavors of the sauce. -
Finish with Kasuri Methi
Sprinkle in the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and stir to combine. Let the curry simmer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the methi to release its flavor. -
Serve
Turn off the heat and your rich, creamy Paneer Butter Masala is ready to serve! Garnish with a dollop of fresh cream or chopped coriander if desired. Serve this flavorful dish with hot phulkas, naan, or rice, and pair it with a side of dal makhni and spinach raita for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Butter Masala is often paired with a variety of Indian breads like naan, roti, or phulka. It also goes wonderfully with steamed rice or jeera rice. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a side of dal makhni (a creamy black lentil dish) and a refreshing spinach raita.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Fat | 24 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Paneer Butter Masala is a classic comfort food that embodies the essence of North Indian cuisine. With its rich gravy and the softness of paneer, this dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re preparing a family meal, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something indulgent. Enjoy this simple yet exquisite dish and elevate your culinary experience!
