How to Make Paneer Butter Masala at Home:The traditional Indian dish paneer butter masala, also referred to as “paneer Makhani,” is well-liked for its savory and thick texture. It is created with soft paneer cubes simmered in a tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice. For those who enjoy soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer combined with creamy sauces, this meal is heaven. It’s often eaten in Indian families and restaurants, generally accompanied by naan, roti, or steaming rice. Making Paneer Butter Masala at home can sound complex, but with the appropriate supplies and methods, you can create it just like restaurant-style in your own kitchen.
There are many steps in this recipe: mixing the ingredients to make a rich, velvety sauce, cooking the paneer, and making the masala. You may follow the instructions in this article to make a tasty Paneer Butter Masala step-by-step. This recipe for Paneer Butter Masala is really easy to make even for novices; let’s have a look at how to make it.
Ingredients for How to Make Paneer Butter Masala at Home
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare Paneer Butter Masala at home.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cottage cheese) | 250 grams |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 4 medium |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Green chilies (optional) | 1-2 |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cashews | 10-12 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started with the cooking process.
Step 1: Preparing the Tomato and Cashew Gravy
The thick tomato gravy is the cornerstone of every delicious Paneer Butter Masala. Ensuring that the gravy is delicious and silky is crucial. To begin, place one tablespoon of butter in a skillet and heat it over medium heat. When the onions are transparent, add the chopped onions and sauté. Usually, this process takes three to four minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions after they become soft, and simmer for a further minute or two, or until the raw scent goes away.
Then, include the cashews and chopped tomatoes in the pan. The creamy smoothness of the sauce is aided by the cashews. For 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy, sauté the cashews and tomatoes together. To expedite the cooking process, you can add a small sprinkle of salt at this point.
After the tomatoes are cooked through, remove from the fire and let the mixture cool. Once it cools down, pour the ingredients into a blender and process until a smooth paste forms. A smooth gravy guarantees a silky texture for your Paneer Butter Masala, so make sure there are no lumps remaining.
Step 2: Cooking the Paneer
Let’s start chopping the paneer while the gravy cools. You may have your paneer cubes soft or slightly cooked, as per your choice. For a rich, restaurant-style flavor, gently frying the paneer in butter increases the taste.
Put the paneer cubes in another skillet with a tablespoon of heated butter. Fry them for two to three minutes on each side, or until they turn a pale yellow color. The paneer might get rubbery if it is overcooked, so proceed with caution. After that’s finished, place the paneer on a platter.
You may use fresh paneer cubes instead of frying them if you would want your paneer to be softer. If you think the paneer is too firm, you may alternatively soak it in warm water for ten minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the Masala
It’s time to make the masala now that your gravy and paneer are ready. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan you used to make the gravy, then add the cumin seeds. When the cumin seeds begin to sizzle, pour in the creamy tomato-cashew mixture.
Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the paste begins to thicken. When the masala is done, the oil and butter will start to separate from it. Add the cumin, garam masala, coriander, and red chili powders at this step. Make sure all of the spices are well combined by stirring them into the gravy.
To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir well. The sugar helps in cutting down the tanginess and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Adding the Paneer and Finishing Touches
After the masala is thoroughly cooked, adjust the gravy’s consistency by adding half a cup of water. Give it a simmer for five to seven minutes so that the flavors may meld harmoniously. You can now adjust the salt to your preferred flavor.
After that, carefully toss the cooked paneer cubes into the gravy so that the sauce coats them all over. Allow the paneer to steep in the gravy for a further three to four minutes, allowing the deep masala flavors to seep in.
Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of crushed kasuri methi (crushed dried fenugreek leaves) and 2 tablespoons of fresh cream. The scent of the meal is enhanced by the addition of kasuri methi, and the fresh cream gives the gravy a smooth texture. Your Paneer Butter Masala is almost ready to serve; just stir everything together.
Step 5: Serving Your Paneer Butter Masala
Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha is the ideal accompaniment for Paneer Butter Masala. Serve it over jeera rice or steaming basmati rice as well. For extra taste and appearance, sprinkle the dish with a few coriander leaves and a drizzle of fresh cream before serving.
Paneer Butter Masala is a dish that is sure to wow, whether it is being made for a formal event or just a cozy midweek supper. Everyone will enjoy this meal because of its rich, creamy texture and the tastes of spices and paneer.
Tips for How to Make Paneer Butter Masala at Home perfectly
- Employ Fresh Paneer: It improves the dish’s flavor and texture. You have the option of making paneer at home or purchasing premium paneer from the shop.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you like a hotter version, add additional green chilies or increase the amount of red chili powder.
- Smooth Gravy: To get a smooth, restaurant-quality gravy, make sure the tomato-cashew paste is well mixed.
- Steer clear of overcooking paneer by giving it a gentle fry to avoid making it tough and chewy.
- Use Kasuri Methi: This spice gives the meal a distinctive taste. If you want to taste authentic, don’t skip it.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought paneer works well, but make sure it’s fresh. You can soak it in warm water if it feels hard. - How do I make the dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can add extra green chilies or increase the quantity of red chili powder. - Can I skip the cream in Paneer Butter Masala?
Cream adds richness to the gravy, but you can skip it or substitute it with cashew cream for a lighter version. - Is it necessary to fry the paneer?
Frying the paneer gives it a slightly crispy texture, but you can also use it without frying if you prefer softer paneer. - How can I make the gravy smoother?
Ensure the tomato-cashew mixture is blended to a smooth consistency and strain it if necessary. - Can I make Paneer Butter Masala vegan?
Yes, replace the paneer with tofu and use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of dairy butter and cream. - How long can I store Paneer Butter Masala?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently before serving. - Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can use full-fat milk for a lighter version, but it won’t be as creamy as when using fresh cream. - What can I serve Paneer Butter Masala with?
It pairs well with naan, roti, paratha, or even jeera rice. - Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to make it a more wholesome dish.
Final Thoughts
Easy to make at home, paneer butter masala is a tasty and adaptable recipe. It’s going to become a family favorite with its delicious spices and rich, creamy texture. This easy-to-follow recipe will allow you to make this well-liked restaurant-style dish in the convenience of your own home.