Paneer Butter Masala – A Royal Treat for Your Taste Buds
Paneer Butter Masala – A Royal Treat for Your Taste Buds
Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Paneer Makhani, is a rich and creamy North Indian dish that perfectly blends soft paneer cubes with a luscious tomato-based gravy. Loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, this dish is a staple in Indian households and a popular choice in restaurants. The smooth texture of the gravy, infused with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, makes it a mouthwatering delicacy that pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
🕰️ Preparation & Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Gravy:
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200g Paneer (cut into cubes)
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2 tbsp Butter
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1 tbsp Oil
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2 Medium Onions (finely chopped)
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3 Medium Tomatoes (pureed)
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10-12 Cashews (soaked in warm water for 10 mins)
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1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
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1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for vibrant color)
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1 tsp Coriander Powder
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½ tsp Turmeric Powder
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1 tsp Garam Masala
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1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
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¼ cup Fresh Cream
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Salt (to taste)
For Garnishing:
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Fresh Coriander Leaves
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1 tbsp Butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Paste
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Soak 10-12 cashews in warm water for 10 minutes.
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Blend the soaked cashews with 2 tbsp water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan.
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Add the finely chopped onions and sauté on medium heat until they turn golden brown.
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Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Step 3: Add Tomato Puree & Spices
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Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
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Stir in Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cashew Paste & Simmer
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Pour the cashew paste into the mixture and stir well.
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Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken and absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Add Paneer & Finish with Cream
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Add the paneer cubes and gently stir to coat them with the gravy.
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Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi for that signature aromatic touch.
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Add fresh cream and stir gently to bring a creamy consistency. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touch & Garnish
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Add 1 tbsp butter for extra richness.
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Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a vibrant and aromatic finish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Paneer Butter Masala pairs perfectly with:
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Butter Naan – Soft, fluffy Indian bread brushed with butter.
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Jeera Rice – Fragrant basmati rice flavored with cumin.
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Roti or Paratha – Whole wheat Indian bread that complements the creamy gravy.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Paneer Butter Masala
✅ Use fresh, homemade paneer for the best texture.
✅ Add a pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes.
✅ Soak the paneer cubes in warm water before adding them to the gravy to keep them soft.
😋 Why You’ll Love Paneer Butter Masala
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Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor.
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Easy to make and perfect for festive occasions or family dinners.
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A versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian breads and rice dishes.
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