Here is a refined, well-structured, and easy-to-follow version of the Paneer Butter Masala recipe. It keeps all the information that is required but presents it in a more engaging and systematic way.
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe | Restaurant-Style Butter Paneer
About Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala, or alternatively Paneer Makhani, is a moderately sweet, gently spiced, creamy North Indian curry. Wealthy and opulent, vegetarian Butter Chicken equivalent (Murgh Makhani) is cooked with a luscious onion-tomato-cashew gravy, newly cut paneer cubes, butter, and cream. Serve nicely with naan, roti, chapati, or rice and relish the popular one in Indian eateries.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Restaurant-Style Taste – Creamy, smooth, and rich like restaurants.
✔️ Simple to Make at Home – Made with simple ingredients that are readily available in the kitchen.
✔️ Customizable – Can be made with mushrooms, tofu, or mixed vegetables as a substitute for paneer.
✔️ Mild & Family-Oriented – Less spicy with a touch of sweetness, perfect for all ages.
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Ingredients
For the Masala Paste (Gravy Base)
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp butter
5 cloves
2 cardamom pods
2 onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic
1-inch piece of ginger
3 tomatoes, sliced
15 cashews
For the Curry
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp butter
1 bay leaf
1 green chili (optional, for mild spiciness)
1 onion, finely chopped
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color & mild spiciness)
¾ tsp coriander powder
¼ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
1 cup water
2 tbsp fresh cream
16 cubes paneer (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Masala Paste (Gravy Base)
1. Heat butter and oil in a big pan.
2. Add cardamom and cloves, sauté until aromatic.
3. Add ginger, garlic, and chopped onions, sauté until the onions turn soft.
4. Add cashews and tomatoes, sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the tomatoes become soft.
6. Let it cool, then grind into fine paste.
7. Strain the mixture and remove any lumps and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Paneer Butter Masala
1. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add bay leaf and green chili, sauté for a while when they will give off an aroma.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until browned.
4. Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix together.
5. Add the ready tomato-onion paste, mix well, and sauté until oil separates.
6. Add 1 cup water and adjust the gravy consistency.
7. Add 2 tbsp of fresh cream for the rich texture.
8. Add paneer cubes gently. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
9. Add kasuri methi and coriander leaves, mix well, and turn off the heat.
Serving Ideas
Serve hot with naan, tandoori roti, chapati, paratha, or basmati rice.
Garnish with additional cream and butter to achieve a restaurant-style looks
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Chef's Tips & Variations
✔️ Soft, fresh paneer – Prepare your own paneer at home for melt-in-mouth.
✔️ For deep red color, use Kashmiri red chili powder and ripe tomatoes. Avoid food coloring.
✔️ Make it spicier? Add more green chilies or red chili powder.
✔️ Omit cream? Use cashew paste or almond paste as a substitute for creaminess.
✔️ Make ahead: Prepare and freeze the gravy base and keep it ready for quick use in the future.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. In what way is Paneer Butter Masala distinct from Paneer Tikka Masala?
Paneer Butter Masala features a light, creamy, ever-so-slightly sweet tomato gravy. The paneer is added straight into it.
Paneer Tikka Masala is spicier. Paneer is marinated, barbecued, and added to a darker, smokier curry.
2. Omitting cream: Can I skip cream in this recipe?
Yes! Use cashew paste or almond paste instead.
3. How do I get a bright red color for the curry?
Use Kashmiri red chili powder and red, ripe tomatoes. Avoid using artificial colors.
4. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but balance out the sweetness by including a little bit of sugar or additional cream to counteract the tartness.
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Final Thoughts
This recipe for Paneer Butter Masala is the perfect combination of richness, creaminess, and nuanced sweetness—exactly like at your favorite Indian restaurant. Either way, if you're cooking it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, rest assured it's going to be a hit with the crowd.
Try it a
nd let me know how it comes out!
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