Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most popular and beloved North Indian dish. This creamy, rich, and mildly spiced curry is a favorite among vegetarians and is often found on restaurant menus across India. Made with soft paneer cubes cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy, this dish pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

Ingredients:

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee for richer flavor)

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 cup onions, finely chopped

• 3 tomatoes, pureed

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 10-12 cashews (soaked for creaminess)

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup water

Other Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed

• 1/2 cup fresh cream (or milk for a lighter version)

• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

2. Make the Gravy: Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until aromatic. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.

3. Enhance the Flavor: Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir well.

4. Make it Creamy: Blend the soaked cashews with a little water to form a paste. Add this to the pan and cook until the gravy becomes rich and smooth.

5. Add Paneer & Finish: Add the paneer cubes, kasuri methi, and honey (if using). Pour in fresh cream, mix well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

Tips for the Best Paneer Butter Masala:

• Use fresh, soft paneer for the best texture.

• Substitute cream with blended cashews or almonds for a healthier version.

Paneer Butter Masala is a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for guests or simply treating yourself, this creamy, flavorful curry is sure to delight your taste buds. Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Happy Cooking!