Paneer butter masala is a mild curry served with naan, chapathi or rice. The combination of butter and cream makes curry very smooth and worth drooling.
The Ultimate Paneer Butter Masala Recipe: A Journey to Flavor Paradise
Hello, fellow food lovers and kitchen adventurers! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that perfect, mouth-watering recipe that brings a burst of flavor to your taste buds and warmth to your soul. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a dish that does just that – my very own Paneer Butter Masala Recipe. This dish is a beloved classic in Indian cuisine, known for its creamy, tomato-based sauce and soft, succulent paneer cubes. It’s a hit at any dinner table and, guess what? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe Rocks
Paneer Butter Masala is more than just a dish; it’s a flavor-packed journey that promises to transport you straight to the heart of India with every bite. My recipe is tailored for the modern millennial kitchen, combining authentic flavors with a pinch of simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this homemade paneer butter masala will become your new go-to for a comforting and impressive meal.
Ingredients for Your Culinary Masterpiece
Let’s gather what we need to create this deliciousness:
•300 gm Paneer, cut into 2 cup cubes
•2 medium-sized onions
•3 medium-sized tomatoes
•4-5 garlic cloves
•1 cup cashew nuts
•1 cup cream
•1 tablespoon Kasuri methi (optional, but highly recommended)
•1 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala powder
•1-2 small red or green chilies (I’m all about those green chilies!)
•1 tablespoon melted butter
•Salt, to taste
•Spices for the masala: 1 cinnamon stick, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 2 cloves, 1 black cardamom, 2 star anise, 2 dry red chilies
Crafting the Magic: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Base
1.Create the Paneer Butter Masala Paste: Start by dry roasting the spices (cinnamon, black pepper, coriander seeds, cloves, black cardamom, star anise, and dry red chilies) until aromatic. Then, blend these roasted spices with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and cashew nuts to form a smooth paste.
Step 2: Cook to Perfection
1.Sauté the Masala: In a pan, heat the melted butter and add the masala paste. Cook until it thickens and the oil starts to separate.
2.Cream it Up: Add the cream and continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This is where the sauce gets its iconic creamy texture.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
1.Paneer Time: Add the paneer cubes and gently mix, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
2.Finishing Touches: Sprinkle Kasuri methi and garam masala powder, and give it one last stir. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
1.Plating Perfection: Serve your Paneer Butter Masala hot, garnished with a dollop of cream or some fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice, making for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only does this Paneer Butter Masala recipe deliver on taste, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak it to fit dietary preferences, like using coconut cream for a vegan version or swapping in tofu for paneer. It’s a dish that invites experimentation, from adding a smoky flavor to incorporating different veggies, making each preparation a new discovery.
Final Thoughts: Tips for the Perfect Paneer Butter Masala
•Quality Ingredients: The secret to a great Paneer Butter Masala lies in the quality of the paneer and spices used. Fresh, high-quality paneer and freshly ground spices can make all the difference.
•Patience is Key: Let the masala paste cook thoroughly for a deep, rich flavor base.
•Personal Touch: Feel free to adjust the level of creaminess and spice to suit your taste. This recipe is all about making it your own.
So, there you have it – a creamy, dreamy Paneer Butter Masala recipe that promises to be a hit every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and may your culinary adventures be as rich and satisfying as this Paneer Butter Masala!
Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer butter masala is a mild curry served with naan, chapathi or rice. The combination of butter and cream makes curry very smooth and worth drooling.
Servings: people
Calories: 417kcal
Ingredients
- 300 gm Paneer 2 cup paneer cubes
- 2 medium size onions
- 3 medium size tomatoes
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 cup cashew nuts small bowl
- 1 cup cream small bowl
- 1 tablespoon Kasuri methi Optional
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1-2 small red or green chilies I prefer green chilies
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Salt as needed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 2 cloves
- 1 black gadamom
- 2 star Anise
- 2 Dry red chilies
Instructions
- Cut paneer into cubes
- Cut omatoies in half and Boil the tomatoes for 10 minutes with 1 cup of water.
- Grind the tomato in mixture and keep it aside.
- Cut onions in rings
- Deep fry onions and garlic until golden brown, take them out in kitchen towel/tissue paper to soak access oil.
- grind 3/4 fried onions in mixture grinder with cream and cashew nuts paste, I keep 1/4 part of fried onions separately and add while making the gravy. if you like to make paste like gravy you can grind all fried onions.
- Heat butter in pan and add spices and tomatoes puree
- Add onion cream paste ,paneer, garam masala powder and rest of the ingredients when tomatoes starts leaving butter.
- Simmer it on low flame for 5 minutes.Paneer butter masala is ready.
Nutrition
Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 983IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 3mg
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