Paneer Butter Masala – Creamy and Flavorful Restaurant-Style Recipe

 

Paneer Butter Masala – Creamy and Flavorful Restaurant-Style Recipe

Paneer Butter Masala is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced North Indian curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a luscious tomato-based gravy. It’s a popular dish often served with naan, roti, or rice. Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to make restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala at home.  

Ingredients 

For the Gravy

- 2 tablespoons butter  

- 1 tablespoon oil  

- 1 bay leaf  

- 2 cardamom pods  

- 1 cinnamon stick  

- 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)  

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste  

- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder  

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder  

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder  

- ½ teaspoon garam masala  

- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)  

- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)  

- ½ cup water  

### **For the Paneer and Finishing Touches:**  

- 200g paneer (cubed)  

- ¼ cup fresh cream  

- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)  

- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves  

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## **Step-by-Step Recipe**  

### **Step 1: Prepare the Base Gravy**  

1. Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick.  

2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.  

3. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating.  

### **Step 2: Add Spices and Simmer**  

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and sugar.  

2. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat.  

3. Add water and simmer for a few more minutes.  

### **Step 3: Blend for a Smooth Texture**  

1. Remove the bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon.  

2. Blend the gravy using a hand blender or a mixer for a silky-smooth consistency.  

### **Step 4: Add Paneer and Cream**  

1. Return the blended gravy to the pan. Add paneer cubes and mix gently.  

2. Pour in fresh cream and kasuri methi, stirring well.  

### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**  

1. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh coriander leaves.  

2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.  

**Tips for the Best Paneer Butter Masala**  

- **Use Fresh Paneer:** Soft paneer enhances the dish’s taste and texture.  

- **Blend the Gravy:** This gives it a smooth, restaurant-style finish.  

- **Balance the Sweetness:** Sugar balances the tanginess of tomatoes.  

Enjoy this rich and creamy Paneer Butter Masala at home! Let me know how it turns out.