Paneer Butter Masala is among the most popular paneer dishes, enjoyed in both restaurants and households across India. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, turning it into a beloved dish for my family. This curry, reminiscent of restaurant style, is rich, mildly spiced, and consistently popular. With my detailed photos and video, you’ll discover just how simple it is to prepare at home.
Reasons This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe Is Effective
Commonly known as Butter Paneer, this dish consists of paneer cubes cooked in a traditional makhani sauce made from tomatoes, cashews, butter, and cream. The sauce is velvety and creamy, featuring a gentle sweetness that complements the acidity of the tomatoes, while the butter and cream contribute to its richness.
In contrast to spicier dishes like Paneer Tikka Masala or Kadai Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala has a milder heat and is known for its rich buttery taste. The paneer absorbs the sauce exceptionally well, contributing to its popularity in both Indian restaurants and households.
I first learned the basics of makhani gravies during my cooking school training. Over the years, I’ve tested and refined this Paneer Butter Masala recipe many times at home.
It has become a beloved dish in our household – something I frequently prepare when we crave a cozy, restaurant-quality curry without too much hassle. With only 20 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking time, it’s convenient even on hectic days.
This recipe is among the favorites on the blog, with thousands of readers having given it a try. Check the comments to read their thoughts.
Chef Tips for Paneer Butter Masala
To prepare hotel-style Paneer Butter Masala, emphasize the importance of balance, texture, and using top-notch ingredients. These expert tips will guide you in achieving that ideal restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.
1.Tender & Creamy Paneer – Fresh paneer absorbs the curry more effectively, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth sensation akin to that of restaurant dishes.
2.Harmonious Flavor – A genuine hotel-style curry features multiple flavor layers, so ensure that sugar, chili, or salt do not overpower – maintain balance.
3.Gravy Consistency – A watery gravy lacks flavor, while a very thick gravy can feel cumbersome; the ideal texture retains taste and clings to the paneer effectively.
4.Cream offers a rich, velvety texture and helps avoid curdling, while yoghurt can change both the flavor and texture.
5.Experiment – Incorporate smoky flavors using the dhungar technique or explore variations with mushrooms or bell peppers for a refined touch.
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- To start, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of butter in a wok, then sauté the spices. I included 1 teaspoon of cumin, a 1-inch piece of cinnamon, 4 cloves, 1 black cardamom pod, and 1 bay leaf.
- After the spices become fragrant, incorporate 2 onions, 5 cloves of garlic, and 1 inch of ginger, and cook until the onions become tender.
- Also add 3 tomatoes, 3 tbsp cashew and saute for a minute.
- Now add 1 cup water, cover and boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
- After the tomatoes have been thoroughly cooked, remove the bay leaf and let the mixture cool down entirely.
- Now grind to a smooth paste. Filter out to get a silky smooth texture. Keep aside.
- n a wok ,heat 2 tsp oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- After heating the oil, incorporate ½ teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, ½ teaspoon of coriander powder, and ½ teaspoon of garam masala.
- Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
- Add in the prepared tomato onion base and cook well.
- Keep cooking and boil for 5 minutes, until the mixture is well-cooked
- Now add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp cream and mix well.
- Add 20 cubes paneer and simmer for 5 minutes till the flavours are absorbed.
- Add 2 tbsp kasuri methi and 2 tbsp coriander. Mix well
- Finally, enjoy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe with roti.
Notes
- To start, incorporating sugar will enhance the taste of the tomato.
- Additionally, be sure to incorporate a substantial amount of butter since it improves the taste.
- Furthermore, if you’re seeking a substitute for cream, curd can be a great option.
- Ultimately, the Paneer Butter Masala recipe is delicious when prepared with milder spices and a creamier texture.