How to Make Indian Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is a classic Indian dish that delights the palate with its rich and creamy sauce. It's perfect for serving with naan, roti, or rice. If you’re looking to make this delicious dish at home, follow this simple recipe.
Ingredients
To prepare Paneer Butter Masala, you will need the following ingredients:
- 250 grams of paneer, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to create your Paneer Butter Masala:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Once they are fragrant, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown.
Step 2: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. This adds depth to your sauce.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Puree
Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the masala. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Paneer
Add the paneer cubes to the masala, folding them gently so they are coated well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Cream and Garam Masala
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring it through the dish. Add garam masala at this stage for an aromatic finish. Simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
Step 7: Final Touch
Turn off the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter for an extra richness. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Paneer Butter Masala hot with naan or roti. It also pairs well with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
Tips for the Best Paneer Butter Masala
- For a richer flavor, use homemade paneer if possible.
- You can adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
Enjoy your homemade Paneer Butter Masala, a perfect dish for family dinners and special occasions alike!