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Rich & Creamy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe: A Restaurant-Style Delight in 30 Minutes

The Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is a rich and creamy North Indian curry that features soft paneer cubes simmered in a luscious tomato-based gravy. This dish is incredibly popular in Indian restaurants and is known for its vibrant color, silky texture, and deliciously mild flavor. With its blend of butter, cream, and aromatic spices, Paneer Butter Masala is a treat for the taste buds. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare at home and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with naan, roti, or steamed rice to enjoy the authentic restaurant-style flavors right at your dining table.

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Why is it Called “Paneer Butter Masala”?

Paneer Butter Masala gets its name from its two main components—paneer and butter. The dish features paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and creamy masala gravy, with butter being a significant ingredient that adds a luxurious flavor and texture. The term “masala” refers to the blend of spices that gives the gravy its distinctive taste. The dish has its origins in Punjabi cuisine, where the generous use of butter and cream creates a velvety, smooth gravy that coats each cube of paneer perfectly. The combination of paneer, butter, and aromatic spices makes this dish a classic favorite, known for its indulgent flavors.

How Should Paneer Butter Masala Taste?

Paneer Butter Masala should be rich, creamy, and mildly spiced, with a hint of sweetness. The paneer should be soft and tender, perfectly absorbing the flavors of the buttery gravy. The tomato-based gravy should have a smooth and velvety texture, with flavors that are well-balanced between the tanginess of the tomatoes and the richness of the cream and butter. The addition of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fenugreek adds warmth and depth to the dish, while the butter and cream create a luxurious mouthfeel. The result should be a comforting, aromatic curry that’s bursting with flavor without being too spicy.

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?

To make the best Paneer Butter Masala, follow these tips:

  1. Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer has a soft texture and absorbs the flavors of the gravy well. You can make paneer at home or use store-bought fresh paneer.
  2. Blend the Gravy Smooth: Blend the tomato-onion masala into a smooth paste to achieve that silky restaurant-style texture.
  3. Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter is what gives this dish its signature flavor, so don’t be shy about adding it.
  4. Add Honey or Sugar: Adding a little honey or sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
  5. Finish with Cream: Stirring in fresh cream at the end adds richness and elevates the dish to a new level of indulgence.

Read More: Comforting Rajma Chawal Recipe: A Classic Indian Meal Ready in 40 Minutes

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy North Indian curry featuring tender paneer cubes in a luscious tomato-based gravy. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a restaurant-style meal at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, North Indian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Blender
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 300 gm paneer (cubed)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 onions (chopped)
  • 3 tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Gravy Base:

  • Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

  • Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  • Cook until the oil separates from the masala and the gravy thickens.

Blend the Gravy:

  • Let the masala cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Return the smooth gravy to the skillet.

Add Paneer and Finish the Gravy:

  • Add the paneer cubes to the gravy and mix gently.
  • Add garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), and honey or sugar.
  • Stir in the fresh cream and remaining butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Variation: You can add green peas to the gravy for added texture and sweetness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Conclusion

This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a restaurant-style curry at home. With its tender paneer cubes, rich and buttery tomato-based gravy, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners, festive occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. Serve it with naan, roti, or steamed rice, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic North Indian dish. Try this recipe today and bring the magic of Paneer Butter Masala to your table!

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