What is Paneer Butter Masala?

Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Paneer Makhani, Shahi Paneer, or Butter Paneer, is a rich and creamy North Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes cooked in a luscious onion-tomato-cashew sauce. This restaurant-style dish is one of the most popular Indian curries, loved for its smooth texture, vibrant color, and irresistible flavor.

If you’re a paneer lover, this is a must-try recipe! You can find Paneer Butter Masala on almost every Indian restaurant menu worldwide. Now, you can make it at home with this easy step-by-step recipe by Desi Gabbar.

✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 45 minutes
✅ Serving Size: 4 people

Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala

Main Ingredients:

• Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 300 grams
• Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Chopped Onions – 2 cups
• Red Chilies – 10 pieces
• Chopped Tomatoes – 2 cups
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Cashew Nuts – ¼ cup

For the Creamy Gravy:

• Ghee – 3 teaspoons
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – 2 teaspoons
• Garam Masala – 1 teaspoon
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – 1 teaspoon
• Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) – for garnish
• Unsweetened Khoya (Mawa) – 50 grams
• Milk – 3 tablespoons
• Fresh Cream – 2 tablespoons
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon
• Water – ¼ cup

How to Make Paneer Butter Masala – Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, red chilies, tomatoes, and cashew nuts until they are soft and fully cooked.
2. Add salt and cook until the tomatoes turn mushy. Turn off the heat.
3. Let the mixture cool down, then blend it into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Make the Butter Masala Gravy

4. Heat ghee in a pan and add Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color.
5. Pour in the blended paste and a little water to deglaze the pan.
6. Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and chopped cilantro. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Creamier

7. Blend khoya and milk into a smooth paste.
8. Add the khoya mixture, fresh cream, and sugar to the gravy. Stir well.
9. Pour in some water, adjust salt to taste, and mix everything.

Step 4: Add Paneer and Serve

10. Gently add paneer cubes into the gravy.
11. Cover and cook on low flame for 10 minutes so the flavors blend.
12. Turn off the stove and serve hot.

Tips to Make the Best Paneer Butter Masala

✔️ Use fresh and soft paneer for a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
✔️ Kashmiri red chili powder gives the dish a rich color without making it too spicy.
✔️ Khoya and fresh cream make the gravy extra creamy and restaurant-style.
✔️ Let the curry simmer for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to blend perfectly.

What to Serve with Paneer Butter Masala?

Pair this rich and creamy curry with:
🥖 Butter Naan or Garlic Naan for an authentic restaurant feel.
🍛 Jeera Rice or Plain Rice for a comforting meal.
🥖 Roti, Paratha, or Laccha Paratha for a homely touch.

Try This Delicious Paneer Butter Masala Recipe Today!

Now that you have the best homemade Paneer Butter Masala recipe, why wait? Try it today and enjoy the authentic restaurant-style taste at home! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.

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