Paneer Butter Masala (Restaurant-Style)
Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy North Indian dish made with soft paneer cubes in a luscious tomato-based gravy infused with butter and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with a mild sweetness, it pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
- DIFFICULTY: EASY
- 45 MINS
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 10 cashews, soaked and blended into a paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup milk (for a rich texture)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cream (optional)
Method
1. Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 7-8 minutes until the oil separates.
2. Spice It Up:
- Add cashew paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cream, sugar, and kasuri methi. Mix well and let it simmer.
3. Add Paneer & Final Touches:
- Pour in the milk and add paneer cubes. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.
4. Garnish & Serve:
- Add a dollop of butter and fresh cream on top.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber raita or a side salad.
Pro Tips
- For extra creaminess, replace fresh cream with thick cashew or almond paste.
- Lightly sauté paneer in butter before adding it to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red chili powder.
