If you have ever longed for a dish that combines richness, warmth, and a burst of comforting flavors, then the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is an absolute must-try. This iconic North Indian curry wraps soft cubes of paneer in a luxuriously creamy, buttery tomato sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s your go-to weeknight meal or a special surprise for guests, this recipe balances spice and creaminess splendidly, making it a beloved classic that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, contribute to the creamy texture, and bring that signature vibrant color to your plate. With pantry staples and fresh produce working together, you’ll be amazed how effortlessly it all comes together.
- 250 grams paneer, cubed: Soft, fresh paneer adds a mild, creamy texture that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for that indulgent, silky base, butter gives the dish its classic richness.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps in sautéing and balancing the butter so it doesn’t burn.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness when cooked golden brown, forming the flavor foundation.
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste: Brings aromatic pungency and a little heat to brighten the dish.
- 2 tomatoes, pureed: Provide acidity and a velvety texture, creating the luscious sauce body.
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder: Delivers the perfect kick of warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder: For that golden hue and subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that adds complexity and depth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 100 ml cream: The crowning touch that turns the curry silky smooth and decadently creamy.
How to Make Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Perfection
Start by heating the butter and oil over medium heat in a non-stick skillet. Once the fat is melted and warm, add the finely chopped onions. Stir them gently, allowing the onions to soften and turn a beautiful golden brown. This browning is crucial — it creates a sweet, caramelized base that makes the entire curry sing.
Step 2: Stir in the Ginger-Garlic Paste
Next comes the ginger-garlic paste, the aromatic heart of many Indian dishes. Add this to the onions and cook for about one minute. You’ll notice an inviting fragrance filling your kitchen, and that’s the signal it’s time to move on — this step amps up the flavor profile beautifully without any bitterness.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Masala Sauce
Pour in the pureed tomatoes along with red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook down until it thickens to a luscious sauce consistency. This stage transforms the acidity of the tomatoes into a rich, velvety base perfect for coating the paneer cubes.
Step 4: Fold in the Paneer Cubes Gently
Now to the star of the show — the paneer. Carefully fold in the cubed pieces so they become fully enveloped in the fragrant tomato sauce. It’s important to be gentle here to maintain the paneer’s soft texture and avoid it breaking into pieces.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Garam Masala
Pour the cream over the curry and sprinkle in the garam masala. Stir everything together with care, then allow it to simmer on low heat for about five minutes. This final simmer lets the spices blend harmoniously while thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Get Ready to Enjoy
Before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Your Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is ready to serve hot and indulge everyone’s taste buds.
How to Serve Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro or parsley adds a bright contrast to the rich sauce. A drizzle of extra cream or a small dollop of butter on top makes it look utterly inviting, and a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) can add a lovely earthy aroma that’s traditional to this curry.
Side Dishes
The creamy Paneer Butter Masala recipe pairs perfectly with classic Indian bread like naan or roti, which are ideal for scooping up the sauce. It’s equally delightful with steamed basmati rice, letting the spiced gravy shine in every bite. For a healthier twist, try it alongside jeera rice or even fluffy quinoa.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your paneer masala in shallow bowls with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of crushed nuts such as cashews. Adding a colorful side salad or a vibrant pickle enhances the experience visually and texturally. For parties, mini naan wraps filled with paneer butter masala make irresistibly fun appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Paneer Butter Masala Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it arguably even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the curry without the cream to preserve its freshness for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw the curry overnight in the fridge, then add fresh cream while reheating to restore its creamy texture and richness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the curry gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling as it can toughen the paneer. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick. Microwave reheating is convenient but stir midway to reheat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought paneer for this recipe?
Absolutely, store-bought paneer works wonderfully! Just be sure to soak it briefly in warm water if it’s a bit hard to make it softer before cooking.
Is Paneer Butter Masala Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian and often enjoyed by those looking for rich, satisfying meat-free meals.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily veganize it by substituting paneer with tofu and replacing butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream.
How spicy is the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe?
It has a mild to moderate level of spice, primarily from red chili powder. You can adjust the chili to your preference to make it milder or spicier.
What’s the best way to cube paneer without it crumbling?
Use a sharp knife and cut the paneer cubes gently. If it’s fresh paneer, cubing after chilling it slightly can help keep the shape intact.
Final Thoughts
Making the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe at home is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with satisfaction. The creamy, flavorful sauce combined with soft paneer can turn any meal into a celebration. Don’t hesitate to dive in, experiment with the spices, and make this dish your own—it’s definitely worth all the love and attention!
Print
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and flavorful North Indian vegetarian dish featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-based gravy. Perfectly balanced with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, this dish pairs wonderfully with naan or rice, offering a luscious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250 grams paneer, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 100 ml cream
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a non-stick skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn golden brown, which will take about 5-7 minutes, ensuring a sweet and mellow base flavor.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for one minute until the raw smell disappears and the aroma becomes fragrant, enhancing the depth of the dish.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the pureed tomatoes along with red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook the mixture on medium heat until it thickens and the oil starts to separate from the masala, approximately 8-10 minutes, developing a rich sauce.
- Add Paneer Cubes: Gently fold the cubed paneer into the thickened tomato gravy, ensuring all pieces are well coated and heated through without breaking the paneer.
- Add Cream and Garam Masala: Pour in the cream and sprinkle garam masala over the curry. Simmer the mixture for five minutes on low heat to blend all flavors harmoniously.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander leaves and serve the Paneer Butter Masala warm with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter with ghee.
- Adjust the red chili powder quantity to control the spiciness.
- Use fresh cream for the best texture and taste.
- Paneer can be lightly pan-fried before adding to the gravy for a firmer texture.
- This dish pairs excellently with Indian breads like naan or chapati and basmati rice.
