Paneer Makhani or Butter Paneer is a perfect buttery and creamy dish infused with the goodness of Indian cottage cheese and is a star dish at any dinner table. The entirely-made-in-one-pot Paneer Butter masala tastes AMAZING! I just can’t seem to get over how outrageously delicious it is. I am sharing an easy and quick paneer butter masala recipe.
Why I Love Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is my go-to dish for special occasions and family gatherings.
The rich, creamy gravy perfectly balances the spicy and tangy flavors, creating an irresistible taste. Paneer Butter Masala is a versatile dish that pairs well with various breads and rice, making it a staple for any meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress guests and is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this easy Paneer Butter Masala:
Step by Step Method
Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by cutting the paneer into cubes or triangles. Keep it aside. Soak Cashews and whole kashmiri chilli . If you do not have whole chillies just soak cashews and add kashmiri chilli powder while adding spices.
Making the gravy:
Blend the cashew and chilli paste. Keep it aside. In a pan heat 1 tablespoons of butter. Add cinnamon stick and mace. the chopped onions. Sauté them until the onions are translucent. Never brown the onions while making paneer butter masala recipe.
Next, add the chopped tomatoes . Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. This might take around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the tomatoes are cooked, let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer it to a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste. For a smooth and creamy paneer butter masala, I recommend blending it well.
Cooking the gravy:
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a pan, add ginger garlic paste, saute for a minute. Now Return the blended paste to the pan. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala or kitchen king masala.
Mix well and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add a little water if the gravy is too thick. Adjust the consistency according to your preference. Add cashew and chilli paste and water. Cook the gravy for 5 minutes.
Adding the paneer:
To finish add a tablespoon of fresh cream for the creaminess. Add paneer cubes/triangles to the gravy. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the gravy.
Finishing touches:Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the gravy. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Meal Prep Tip
I always keep some in my refrigerator for my meal prep days. You can learn how to make fresh paneer at home and sort out your life with Meal Prep as well.
Tips for the Best Paneer Butter Masala
Fresh Paneer: Always use fresh paneer for the best results. You can either buy it from the store or make it at home. Fresh paneer has a softer texture and absorbs the flavors of the gravy better. Tomatoes: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for a rich and flavorful gravy. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the creaminess of the dish. Cream: Use heavy cream for a richer texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk or yogurt, but the consistency will differ. Butter: Don’t skimp on the butter. It’s what makes this dish buttery and delicious. You can use ghee as a substitute if you prefer a nutty flavor. Blending: Make sure to blend the gravy well for a smooth texture. You can strain it if you want an extra-smooth gravy, but I usually skip this step.
Variations to Try
Vegan Version: Substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version. Spicy Twist: Add more red chili powder or green chilies if you like it spicy. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick. Healthier Option: Use less butter and cream for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and peas to make it more nutritious.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Paneer Butter MasalaPaneer Butter Masala stores well, making it a great dish to prepare in advance or save for leftovers. To store, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing Paneer Butter MasalaIf you want to store it for a longer period, Paneer Butter Masala can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to label the container with the date. Reheating Paneer Butter MasalaWhen you’re ready to enjoy your Paneer Butter Masala, follow these steps for reheating: Reheating in the microwave is also an option. Place the Paneer Butter Masala in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Tips for Reheating
Consistency: Paneer Butter Masala tends to thicken when stored. Adding a little water or cream while reheating helps in achieving the right consistency. Flavor: Reheating can sometimes mellow the flavors. Add a pinch of garam masala or fresh coriander to refresh the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Butter Masala is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various Indian breads and rice. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal complete: Classic Pairings
Naan: The buttery and fluffy texture of naan complements the creamy gravy of Paneer Butter Masala perfectly. Garlic naan or butter naan can add an extra layer of flavor. Naan Recipe Roti or Chapati: For a healthier option, serve with whole wheat roti or chapati. The slightly chewy texture contrasts nicely with the soft paneer. Chapati Recipe Jeera Rice: Flavored with cumin, jeera rice adds a subtle aroma that enhances the rich flavors of the dish. Jeera Rice Recipe Steamed Basmati Rice: The simplicity of steamed basmati rice balances the richness of the Paneer Butter Masala. Instant Pot Rice
Accompaniments
Raita: A cooling cucumber or mint raita helps balance the spice and richness of the dish. It’s refreshing and adds a pleasant contrast. Raita Recipe Salad: A simple salad with sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, drizzled with lemon juice and a pinch of salt, makes a great side dish. Pickles and Chutneys: Indian pickles or tangy mango chutney can add a burst of flavor and spice to your meal.
For a Festive Meal
Pulao: A lightly spiced pulao with peas or mixed vegetables can be a wonderful addition for a festive meal. Vegetable Pulao Recipe Paratha: Stuffed parathas, like aloo paratha or paneer paratha, can turn your meal into a lavish feast.
Beverage Pairings
Lassi: A sweet Lassi or salted lassi can provide a soothing counterpart to the spices in Paneer Butter Masala. Masala Chai: If you’re serving Paneer Butter Masala for lunch or dinner, a cup of masala chai can be a comforting way to round off the meal.
Serving Paneer Butter Masala with these suggestions will elevate your dining experience, making it a memorable meal for you and your loved ones. Making Paneer Butter Masala at home is not only easy but also rewarding. This restaurant-style recipe will bring the flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
More Such Recipes
If you love paneer recipes, I am sure you will definitely fall in love with this delicious list of Best Paneer Recipes that will win your heart.
Amritsari Paneer Bhurji Paneer Bhurji Matar Paneer Paneer Ghee Roast Paneer Vegetable Keema Palak Paneer Paneer Biryani
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