The Ultimate Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

 

           **The Ultimate Paneer Butter Masala Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Irresistible**

Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy North Indian dish that has become one of the most popular vegetarian meals around the world. It's an ideal combination of soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy, loaded with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. The dish is a favorite in restaurants, but with this simple recipe, you can make it at home with restaurant-quality flavors!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making the perfect Paneer Butter Masala.

 **Ingredients**

For the **Paneer**:

- 250g paneer, cut into cubes

- 1 tbsp butter (for shallow frying)

For the **Gravy**:

- 3 large tomatoes, roughly chopped

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 green chilies (optional), slit lengthwise

- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

- 8-10 cashew nuts, soaked in warm water

- 2 tbsp butter

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp garam masala

- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust according to taste)

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp coriander powder

- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)

- Salt to taste

- ½ cup fresh cream (for extra richness)

- 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

 **Instructions**

 **Step 1: Prepare the Base Gravy**

1. **Blanch the tomatoes**: In a pan, heat some water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Once cooked, let them cool down and blend them into a smooth puree.

  

2. **Prepare the cashew paste**: Drain the soaked cashew nuts and grind them into a smooth paste using a little water.

 **Step 2: Sauté and Cook**

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat **1 tbsp oil** and **2 tbsp butter** over medium heat. Once hot, add **cumin seeds** and let them splutter.

2. Add the finely chopped **onion** and sauté until it turns golden brown.

3. Add **ginger** and **garlic**, sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. Now, add the prepared **tomato puree** to the pan. Cook this mixture on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the oil separates from the gravy.

 **Step 3: Add the Spices**

1. Once the tomato mixture is well-cooked, add the **turmeric powder**, **red chili powder**, and **coriander powder**. Mix well and let the spices cook for another 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the **cashew paste** to the gravy and cook for another 5-6 minutes. This will give the gravy a rich, creamy texture.

3. Add **sugar** and **salt** to taste. If you like a little sweetness in your gravy, a teaspoon of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

 **Step 4: Incorporating Paneer**

1. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, lightly fry the paneer cubes with **1 tbsp butter** until golden on the edges. This enhances the flavor of the paneer and prevents it from breaking in the gravy.

2. Add the fried paneer cubes to the gravy and stir gently, ensuring the paneer is well-coated with the sauce.

 **Step 5: Finish with Cream and Garnish**

1. Add **fresh cream** to the gravy and stir well. This will make the Paneer Butter Masala luxuriously creamy and rich.

2. Sprinkle **garam masala** and **kasuri methi** (dried fenugreek leaves) over the gravy. The kasuri methi adds a unique, smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish.

3. Let the dish simmer for another 2-3 minutes so all the flavors blend beautifully.

 **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish with fresh **coriander leaves** and serve hot with **naan**, **paratha**, or steamed **basmati rice**.

 **Tips for the Best Paneer Butter Masala**

1. **Use Fresh Paneer**: Fresh, soft paneer makes all the difference in this dish. You can either make paneer at home or buy a good-quality store-bought one.

  

2. **Blend the Gravy for Smoothness**: If you prefer a super smooth gravy, you can strain the tomato-cashew gravy before adding paneer. This gives the dish a silky, restaurant-style texture.

3. **Adjust the Cream and Butter**: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and cream. However, these ingredients are what make the dish rich and indulgent, so don’t skimp if you're looking for the classic flavor!

4. **Fry the Paneer**: Lightly frying the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy enhances their texture and keeps them firm.

 **Conclusion**

Paneer Butter Masala is a dish that beautifully balances creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with the richness of butter and cream. It’s perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat when you want to indulge in a restaurant-style meal at home.

The best part is, with this recipe, you can customize the spice levels and richness to suit your preferences. Whether you're serving it with naan or rice, this classic dish will be a hit at your dining table. Happy cooking!