Craving a flavorful and creamy Paneer Butter Masala but short on time? This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is your answer! We’ll walk you through how to make this restaurant-quality curry in just 30 minutes, using simple steps. No need to spend hours in the kitchen – our easy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to impress anyone at your table.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves delicious Indian food, but especially for:
- Busy home cooks: It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
- Paneer lovers: This recipe highlights the melt-in-your-mouth paneer cheese in a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Vegetarian curry enthusiasts: This vegetarian delight offers a satisfying and protein-packed alternative to meat-based curries.
- Those seeking restaurant-quality curries at home: This recipe delivers on taste and ease, allowing you to recreate that restaurant experience in your own kitchen.
Recipe Swaps and Variations for your Delicious Paneer Butter Masala Recipe:
For the Adventurous:
- Spicy Kick: Want more heat? Increase the red chili powder or add chopped green chilies. Experiment with different chili varieties for a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie Extravaganza: Add a medley of bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms for a colorful and textural twist. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
- Creamy Coconut Twist: Love coconut? Substitute coconut milk for some or all of the cream for a lighter and slightly sweet variation.
For the Dietary Conscious:
- Vegan Delight: Turn this dish vegan by using tofu or tempeh instead of paneer, and opt for coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy cream.
- Lighten Up: Skip the cream altogether and use a low-fat yogurt for a lighter sauce.
No Matter Your Preference:
- Protein Boost: For an extra protein punch, add cooked chickpeas or lentils to the gravy.
- Flavor Enhancer: Don’t forget the magic of fresh herbs! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) adds a finishing touch of aroma and taste.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for your Delicious Paneer Butter Masala Recipe:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this restaurant-worthy curry in just 30 minutes:
- Frying Pan or Skillet: A medium-sized pan or skillet is ideal for sauteing the onions, spices, and tomatoes.
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: To create a smooth and flavorful gravy.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables and paneer.
- Serving Spoon: To dish up your delicious Paneer Butter Masala masterpiece!
Optional Equipment:
- Grater: This comes in handy if you prefer to grate fresh ginger and garlic instead of mincing them.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results.
- Mixing Bowl: For holding the prepared paneer and any additional ingredients you might choose to add.
Delicious Paneer Butter Masala Recipe in 30 Minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 Medium Onion, Thinly Sliced
- 2 Green Cardamoms
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Bay Leaf (Optional)
- 1 Inch Ginger, Minced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes, Undrained
- ½ cup Cashews (Raw or Roasted)
- 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (Adjust for spice preference)
- ½ Teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ Teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- ¼ Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 (14 oz) Block Paneer, Cubed (About 1 inch cubes)
- ½ cup Heavy Cream (or full-fat yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Cilantro (For garnish)
- 1 Teaspoon Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) (Crushed, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat Up: In a medium-sized pan or skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf (if using). Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Ginger Garlic Kiss: Add the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Tomato Time: Add the canned diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Nutty Base: Add the cashews to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Spice Symphony: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a blender and add coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and turmeric powder. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy paste.
- Back to the Pan: Pour the blended cashew-tomato mixture back into the pan and add ¼ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Paneer Power: Gently add the cubed paneer to the simmering gravy. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Creamy Dream: Stir in the heavy cream (or yogurt) and heat through for another minute. Don’t let the gravy boil after adding the cream.
- Finishing Touches: Turn off the heat and garnish your delicious Paneer Butter Masala with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed kasuri methi.
Serve hot with your favorite Indian flatbreads like Naan, Roti, or Paratha. Enjoy!
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
This restaurant-quality Paneer Butter Masala is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Savory cubed paneer cheese is cooked in a creamy tomato gravy bursting with flavor. Serve it with your favorite Indian flatbreads for a complete and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Frying Pan or Skillet: A medium-sized pan or skillet is ideal for sauteing the onions, spices, and tomatoes.
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: To create a smooth and flavorful gravy.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables and paneer.
- Serving Spoon: To dish up your delicious Paneer Butter Masala masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 Medium Onion Thinly Sliced
- 2 Green Cardamoms
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Bay Leaf Optional
- 1 Inch Ginger Minced
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 14.5 oz Can Diced Tomatoes, Undrained
- ½ cup Cashews Raw or Roasted
- 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder Adjust for spice preference
- ½ Teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ Teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
- ¼ Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 14 oz Block Paneer, Cubed (About 1 inch cubes)
- ½ cup Heavy Cream or full-fat yogurt for a lighter option
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Cilantro For garnish
- 1 Teaspoon Kasuri Methi Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Crushed, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Up: In a medium-sized pan or skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf (if using). Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Ginger Garlic Kiss: Add the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Tomato Time: Add the canned diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Nutty Base: Add the cashews to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Spice Symphony: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a blender and add coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and turmeric powder. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy paste.
- Back to the Pan: Pour the blended cashew-tomato mixture back into the pan and add ¼ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Paneer Power: Gently add the cubed paneer to the simmering gravy. Be careful not to break the paneer cubes. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Creamy Dream: Stir in the heavy cream (or yogurt) and heat through for another minute. Don’t let the gravy boil after adding the cream.
- Finishing Touches: Turn off the heat and garnish your delicious Paneer Butter Masala with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed kasuri methi.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 5-7g
- Protein: 20-25g
Food and Drink Pairings for your Delicious Paneer Butter Masala:
Perfect Pairings:
- Indian Breads: The creamy and flavorful gravy of Paneer Butter Masala begs to be scooped up with soft and fluffy Indian flatbreads. Pair it with classic choices like:
- Naan: This leavened, oven-baked bread is a popular choice for its pillowy texture and slight char.
- Roti: A whole-wheat flatbread cooked on a griddle, offering a slightly healthier and more rustic option.
- Paratha: Flaky and layered, paratha adds a touch of richness and texture to your meal.
Complementary Sides:
- Rice: Steamed Basmati rice offers a neutral base that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the curry.
- Jeera Rice: For a more flavorful rice option, try jeera rice, infused with cumin seeds for an aromatic and earthy taste.
- Raita: A cooling and refreshing raita, like cucumber raita, helps cut through the richness of the curry and adds a touch of tanginess.
Drink Recommendations:
- Lassi: A yogurt-based drink like lassi, either sweet or savory, provides a cooling and probiotic counterpoint to the spicy curry.
- Mango Lassi: For a sweeter option, try mango lassi, which combines the creaminess of lassi with the refreshing sweetness of mangoes.
- Indian Beer: A light and crisp Indian beer, like Kingfisher, complements the spices in the curry without overpowering them.
Bonus Pairing:
- Red Wine: For a more adventurous pairing, consider a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir. The fruitiness of the wine can help balance the richness of the dish.
Tips Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
- To make the gravy richer, you can soak cashew nuts in warm water, grind them into a paste, and add it to the curry.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and use vegan butter or oil instead of dairy butter.
- Freshly ground black pepper can be added for an extra kick of flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
1. How Long Does it Take to Make Paneer Butter Masala Recipe?
This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is designed for busy weeknights! It can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and flavorful meal.
2. Can I Make Paneer Butter Masala Recipe Without Cream?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses cream for richness, you can easily adjust this Paneer Butter Masala Recipe for a lighter option. Substitute the cream with full-fat yogurt for a tangy and slightly less rich version.
3. What Can I Serve with Homemade Paneer Butter Masala?
This Homemade Paneer Butter Masala pairs beautifully with various Indian flatbreads like naan, roti, or paratha. You can also complement it with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice for added flavor, or a cooling raita like cucumber raita to cut through the richness.
4. Are There Any Substitutions I Can Make in the Paneer Butter Masala Recipe?
Of course! This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is easily customizable. Want it spicier? Increase the red chili powder or add chopped green chilies. Feeling adventurous? Add a medley of bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms for a colorful and textural twist. For a vegan twist, use tofu or tempeh instead of paneer and coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy cream.
5. What Tips Do You Have for Making Paneer Butter Masala Recipe?
Here are some tips for making a restaurant-quality Paneer Butter Masala Recipe at home:
- Don’t overcook the paneer. Add it to the simmering gravy towards the end to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. Start with a smaller amount of red chili powder and gradually add more to achieve your desired heat.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor. Fresh ginger, garlic, and tomatoes will elevate the taste of your Paneer Butter Masala Recipe.
- Blend the cashew-tomato mixture until smooth for a silky and flavorful gravy.
