🧈 Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style)
Creamy, Buttery, and Full of Flavor — Better Than Your Favorite Takeout!
Paneer Butter Masala (also known as Butter Paneer or Paneer Makhani) is a rich, mildly spiced North Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy tomato-based gravy. This popular vegetarian dish is known for its velvety texture, buttery aroma, and perfect balance of spices. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a festive feast, this restaurant-style paneer butter masala recipe is always a winner.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Paneer Butter Masala
- 🧄 Rich, creamy gravy full of authentic flavor
- 🧈 Buttery and luxurious — true restaurant taste at home
- 🧀 Soft paneer cubes perfectly soak up the masala
- 🌱 Vegetarian & gluten-free friendly
- 🫓 Pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or basmati rice
📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Curry Base:
- 2 tbsp butter (plus 1 tbsp oil to prevent burning)
- 200g (7 oz) paneer, cubed
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 3–4 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 1/4 cup tomato purée)
- 1 tbsp cashews (or almonds for a nut-free alternative, use cream only)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For Finishing:
- 2 tbsp fresh cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/2 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tbsp butter (for final tempering)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tomato-Cashew Base
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil.
- Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cashews, and a pinch of salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Cool slightly and blend into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Cook the Gravy
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add the tomato-onion purée and sauté for 5–7 minutes until it thickens and releases oil.
- Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander, garam masala, and sugar.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water to adjust consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Cream and Paneer
- Stir in cream, then gently add paneer cubes.
- Add crushed kasuri methi and simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with a dollop of butter on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Use store-bought or homemade paneer — soak in warm water to keep it soft
- For a vegan version, use tofu and substitute butter/cream with plant-based alternatives
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder for extra warmth
- Double the recipe for easy meal prep — it tastes better the next day!
🫓 What to Serve with Paneer Butter Masala
- Butter naan, garlic naan, or tandoori roti
- Jeera rice, peas pulao, or plain basmati rice
- Onion salad, raita, and papad for a complete Indian meal
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave with a splash of water
- Can be frozen (without cream) for up to 1 month
📌 Pin It for Later!
Rich. Creamy. Irresistible.
Save this Paneer Butter Masala Recipe for your next Indian dinner night!
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