Indulge in the rich, creamy, and utterly delicious flavors of authentic Indian Paneer Butter Masala. This classic dish features tender paneer cheese in a luscious tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of butter for unparalleled richness. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this Paneer Butter Masala recipe will transport your taste buds straight to India. Get ready to savor every bite of this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish! This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Medium |
Nutrition per serving (approximate): Calories: 450-500, Protein: 25g, Fat: 25g, Carbohydrates: 30g. Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Indian cheese), cubed | 1 lb (500g) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Tomato, pureed | 1.5 cups |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 2 tbsp |
| Green chilies, finely chopped | 2-3 (adjust to taste) |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
| Chili powder | 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander leaves, chopped | For garnish |
Cooking Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the Paneer Butter Masala significantly.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. The aromatic spices are key to a great Paneer Butter Masala.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to prevent burning. This step develops the depth of flavor in your Paneer Butter Masala.
- Pour in the tomato puree and salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. The longer you simmer the sauce, the richer your Paneer Butter Masala becomes.
- Add the garam masala and mix well. This adds a warm, complex spice note to your Paneer Butter Masala.
- Gently stir in the paneer cubes. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes. You want your Paneer Butter Masala to have beautiful, intact pieces of paneer.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the sauce. The simmering process brings all the flavors together for a truly remarkable Paneer Butter Masala.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the heavy cream. This adds the signature creamy texture to your Paneer Butter Masala.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes more, until the sauce is creamy and well-combined. Be careful not to overcook; you want the sauce to remain smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. The fresh coriander adds a lovely finishing touch to your Paneer Butter Masala.
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with naan bread, roti, rice, or jeera rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This Paneer Butter Masala pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice, enhancing the overall dining experience. The creamy sauce is delightful when enjoyed with warm, soft naan bread, allowing you to soak up every last drop. For a more authentic experience, serve it with traditional Indian breads like roti and paratha.
Notes/Tips for the Perfect Paneer Butter Masala:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade tomato puree instead of store-bought. You can easily make tomato puree by boiling and blending fresh tomatoes.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. Start with fewer and add more if needed.
- Don’t overcook the paneer, as it can become hard. Gently simmer the paneer in the sauce for a few minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.
- For a vegan option, substitute the paneer with firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the tofu maintains its texture.
- This Paneer Butter Masala tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together. So, feel free to make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers the following day. The flavors deepen and become more cohesive when the dish rests.
Enjoy your homemade Authentic Indian Paneer Butter Masala! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Remember, the key to the perfect Paneer Butter Masala is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking your time to let the flavors develop. Happy cooking!
