Paneer Butter Masala is one of those irresistible Indian dishes that combines soft, succulent paneer cubes with a rich, creamy, buttery tomato-based gravy. Loved by many, it’s a restaurant favorite that you can easily recreate at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. If you’ve been wondering how can I make paneer butter masala, this guide will walk you through the process with a friendly tone and easy-to-follow instructions.
What is Paneer Butter Masala?
Paneer Butter Masala, also called Butter Paneer, is a luscious curry made by cooking paneer in a creamy tomato and butter sauce infused with aromatic spices. The dish is known for its silky texture and mildly sweet, buttery flavor, making it a perfect comfort food. It pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or rice and is a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen or can easily find at the store:
– Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 200 to 250 grams, cubed
– Butter – 2 to 3 tablespoons
– Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
– Tomatoes – 3 to 4 medium, pureed
– Cashews – 10 to 15 (soaked and blended)
– Ginger garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
– Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 to 2 teaspoons (for color and mild heat)
– Garam masala powder – 1 teaspoon
– Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 teaspoon, crushed
– Fresh cream – 2 to 3 tablespoons
– Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
– Sugar – 1 tablespoon (balances the acidity of tomatoes)
– Salt – to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
– Water – as needed to adjust gravy consistency
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Paneer Butter Masala
1. Prepare the Base
Start by heating 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a pan on low heat. Add whole spices like 2 green cardamoms, 1 bay leaf, ½ inch cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves if you like a more aromatic base (optional). Let them sizzle gently.
Add cumin seeds and when they crackle, toss in finely chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger garlic paste and cook for about a minute until the raw smell disappears.
2. Make the Tomato-Cashew Puree
In a blender, combine the sautéed onions, pureed tomatoes, and soaked cashews. Blend until you get a smooth, silky paste. This puree forms the rich, creamy base of your gravy.
3. Cook the Gravy
Pour the tomato-cashew-onion puree back into the pan. Cook on low heat until the oil or butter starts separating from the masala, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and thickens the gravy.
Add red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Mix well and adjust the consistency by adding water if the gravy is too thick.
4. Add Paneer and Kasuri Methi
Gently add the cubed paneer to the gravy. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry. Kasuri methi adds a distinctive aroma and enhances the flavor.
Simmer the curry on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid cooking paneer for too long to keep it soft and tender.
5. Finish with Butter and Cream
Turn off the heat and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh cream and an extra tablespoon of butter for that ultimate creamy texture and buttery richness. Mix gently to coat the paneer cubes evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve hot with butter naan, roti, jeera rice, or plain basmati rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Paneer Butter Masala
– Use good quality paneer: Homemade paneer or fresh store-bought paneer works best for softness and taste.
– Balance the spices: Kashmiri red chili powder gives the dish its vibrant color without too much heat. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
– Cream substitutes: If you want a vegan version, substitute paneer with firm tofu, use vegan butter, and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
– Avoid overcooking paneer: Overcooked paneer becomes rubbery, so add it towards the end and cook just enough to warm through.
– Make ahead: You can prepare the gravy in advance without cream and store it refrigerated or frozen. When ready to serve, reheat, add paneer and cream, then cook briefly.
Paneer Butter Masala is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-style flavors right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this creamy, buttery curry is sure to impress your family and friends.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious feast that follows!