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Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy Indian dish made with paneer in a rich tomato-based gravy, flavored with spices like garam masala and finished with butter and cream. It’s commonly served with naan or rice and is loved for its indulgent taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

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!

Notes

Variations and Twists

1. Spicy Paneer Butter Masala: If you’re a spice lover, why not turn up the heat? Add more green chilies or a touch of chili paste to bring that fiery kick. Red chili powder or cayenne also works wonders for adjusting the spice level. After all, who can resist that extra zing?
2. Smoky Paneer Butter Masala: For a rich, authentic flavor, use the dhungar method. Place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl, pour a little ghee over it, and cover the curry with a lid immediately. Evidently, this method infuses the curry with a smoky aroma, elevating your dish to another level.
3. Vegan Paneer Butter Masala: Be that as it may, if you’re looking for a vegan version, swap paneer with tofu or even cashew nuts for a similar texture. Additionally, you can replace the butter and cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Not only will it keep the dish creamy, but also completely plant-based!
4. Nut-Free Version: For those with nut allergies, there’s still hope for a creamy Paneer Butter Masala. Substitute the nuts with oat cream or any cashew-free cream alternative. Consequently, you’ll still get that velvety smooth texture without compromising flavor.
5. Add More Veggies: In addition to the paneer, you can add peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to create a heartier dish. These veggies bring not only texture but a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the rich curry sauce.

Time-Saving Meal Prep

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the curry in advance for even better flavor the next day! Store it in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage. In short, make ahead for convenience!
Weeknight Meal: Short on time? Use store-bought paneer and pre-made tomato puree to speed things up. Thus, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Freezing: Freeze Paneer Butter Masala for up to a month in an airtight container. Reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture. Overall, it’s a great make-ahead dish!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Paneer Butter Masala
Amount per Serving
Calories
550
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
45
g
69
%
Saturated Fat
 
20
g
125
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
15
g
Cholesterol
 
80
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
800
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
700
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
25
g
8
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
20
g
40
%
Vitamin A
 
800
IU
16
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.4
mg
24
%
Vitamin B3
 
1.5
mg
8
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B12
 
0.4
µg
7
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Vitamin E
 
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
400
mg
40
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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