Butter Paneer Recipe
Butter Paneer Recipe Here’s a detailed Butter Paneer (Paneer Butter Masala) recipe, a rich and creamy North Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), butter, and a tomato-based gravy.
Butter Paneer Recipe (Paneer Butter Masala)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 10-12 cashew nuts
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1-inch ginger, chopped
- 2 green chilies (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup fresh cream
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
For the Paneer
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying, optional)
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream
- Chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a pan.
- Add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn soft.
- Add cashew nuts and cook for another minute.
- Now add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become mushy.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Let it cool, then blend into a smooth puree using a little water if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Gravy
- In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add the blended tomato-onion puree and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
- Add garam masala, cumin powder, kasuri methi, and sugar. Stir well.
- Pour ½ cup water and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 3: Prepare the Paneer
- If you prefer, lightly fry the paneer cubes in butter for a richer flavor. Otherwise, use them as is.
- Add paneer cubes to the prepared gravy and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touch
- Stir in fresh cream and mix gently. Cook for another minute.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with a drizzle of cream and chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or jeera rice.
- Pairs well with a side of pickled onions or cucumber salad.
Tips for Best Butter Paneer
✔ Use fresh paneer for a soft and creamy texture. Soak store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
✔ For extra richness, add a little more butter and cream.
✔ Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.
✔ Kasuri methi enhances flavor, so don’t skip it. Crush it between your palms before adding for maximum aroma.
Would you like variations, such as a vegan version or a spicier version? 😊
