Paneer Butter Masala recipe is a delicious dish from India that features soft paneer cheese in a creamy, rich tomato sauce. Originally from North India, this dish showcases the use of spices and ingredients that make Indian cuisine special.
Over time, Paneer Butter Masala has become a favorite recipe not just in homes but also in restaurants. Many people love it because it combines flavors that are both spicy and creamy, making it a comforting meal for everyone. As a result, it has gained popularity and is often served with rice or naan.
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About Paneer Butter Masala
Firstly, Paneer Butter Masala recipe comes from North India and is famous for its creamy, flavorful sauce. Often called Butter Paneer, this dish is a must-have in Indian restaurants, showcasing how butter and cream can enhance taste.
Secondly, the preparation includes marinating the paneer and cooking it in a spicy tomato sauce. Many people love this dish for its rich flavors, which mimic the luxurious experience of dining out.
Additionally, Paneer Butter Masala is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, creamy texture makes it perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.
Lastly, this dish pairs well with bread or rice, making it a versatile choice. Overall, Paneer Butter Masala is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table.
How to Make Paneer Butter Masala
Step by Step Guide
1. Prepare the Cashew Paste
- First, soak the cashew nuts in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- After that, drain them and blend into a smooth paste with a little water.
2. Cook the Onions
- Next, heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Then, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- After that, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chili
- Now, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili if you’re using it.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add Tomato Puree
- Finally, pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating from the mixture, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices
- Then, mix in red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate Cashew Paste
- After that, add the cashew paste to the tomato mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Paneer
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy.
- Stir to coat the paneer with the masala and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Add Cream and Garam Masala
- Next, stir in the cream and garam masala.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend nicely.
9. Finish with Butter and Kasuri Methi
- To enhance the flavor, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and kasuri methi.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
10. Garnish
- Lastly, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Paneer Butter Masala!
Serving Suggestion
When serving Paneer Butter Masala, you have great options to enhance your meal. First, pairing it with different types of bread, like naan or roti, is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich gravy.
Serving it alongside rice, such as jeera rice or pulao, makes the meal even more filling. For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing with freshly chopped coriander, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of red chili powder for added flavor.
Lastly, this dish is perfect for sharing at family gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite combinations with ease.
Nutritional Insights
1. Paneer is a great source of protein, which is important for building strong muscles and keeping you full.
2. While Paneer Butter Masala is delicious, it can also be high in calories due to the cream and butter.
3. If you want a lighter dish, consider using low-fat paneer or reducing the amount of cream and butter. You can still keep the flavor by adding more spices and using yogurt instead of cream.
4. To make a balanced meal, serve the recipe with healthy sides like whole grain naan or brown rice.
This way, you can enjoy the flavors while also getting good nutrition.
Variations and Twists
You can make the recipe even better by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds extra colors and flavors to the dish.
For a different texture, consider using tofu instead of paneer. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great alternative for those who want something lighter or vegan.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix Paneer Butter Masala with pasta! Just cook the pasta and toss it with the creamy paneer sauce for a delicious and unique meal.
Another fun idea is to make wraps. Simply fill a tortilla with Paneer Butter Masala, add some fresh veggies, and roll it up. This makes for a tasty and portable meal perfect for lunch!
To Create a Vegan Version
1. Replace paneer with firm tofu, cubed and lightly sautéed until golden brown.
2. Use plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter.
3. Substitute coconut cream for dairy cream to keep the dish rich and creamy.
These substitutions will keep the dish deliciously creamy and flavorful while adhering to a vegan diet.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute tofu for paneer. Use firm tofu, cubed and lightly sautéed, for a vegan version of Paneer Butter Masala.
For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy cream in Paneer Butter Masala.
Paneer Butter Masala can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water or cream if needed.
Reheat Paneer Butter Masala on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or cream to restore its creamy consistency if necessary.
Paneer Butter Masala pairs well with naan, roti, or basmati rice. It can also be enjoyed with parathas or a side of cucumber raita for a complete meal.
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Paneer Butter Masala
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 250 gram Paneer cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 Onion large, finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes medium, pureed
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 Green Chili finely chopped (optional)
- 10-12 Cashew Nuts soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- ½ Cup Cream
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Sugar (optional)
- Fresh Coriander: for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cashew Paste
- First, soak the cashew nuts in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- After that, drain them and blend into a smooth paste with a little water.
Cook the Onions
- Next, heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Then, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- After that, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chili
- Now, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili if you’re using it.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add Tomato Puree
- Finally, pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating from the mixture, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices
- Then, mix in red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Incorporate Cashew Paste
- After that, add the cashew paste to the tomato mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Paneer
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy.
- Stir to coat the paneer with the masala and cook for 5 minutes.
Add Cream and Garam Masala
- Next, stir in the cream and garam masala.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend nicely.
Finish with Butter and Kasuri Methi
- To enhance the flavor, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and kasuri methi.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Garnish
- Lastly, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Paneer Butter Masala!
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