Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Paneer butter masala doesn’t have to be something you only enjoy at a restaurant. You can make it at home easily, and it will taste just as good! This simple recipe will help you cook a creamy, flavorful dish step by step. The best part? You can enjoy as much as you want without leaving your home. In addition, it’s a great way to save money, impress your family, and bring the restaurant flavors to your own table. So, give it a try and see how easy and fun it can be!

About Paneer Butter Masala

Butter Paneer also known as Paneer Makhani is a simple and delicious Indian dish that many people love. It is creamy, rich, and full of flavor, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys comforting meals. In this recipe, soft paneer cubes are cooked in a smooth, spiced tomato and cream sauce. The sauce is mild and tasty, with just the right amount of spices. 

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress your guests. What’s more, the best part is that it’s easy to make, and you can enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cooking right at home. Even if you’re new to cooking Indian food, this recipe is simple to follow, making it accessible for everyone. In fact, Butter Paneer is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, comforting, and flavorful meals!

Watch How To Make Paneer Butter Masala

Best Serving Suggestions

Butter Paneer Masala is a delicious dish that goes well with many different sides, making it a great choice for any meal! For a simple and classic pairing, you can enjoy it with soft naan bread, flaky parathas, or thin rotis and chapatis. These breads are perfect for scooping up the creamy, flavorful curry. 

If you prefer rice, there are many tasty options to try. You can serve Butter Paneer Masala with just a plain steamed basmati rice that balances the rich curry. For more variety, you could choose fragrant jeera rice, which is flavored with cumin seeds, or something a little more exciting like peas pulao, vegetable pulao, or even biryani. These rice dishes add extra flavor and make the meal feel special. 

To complete the meal, think about adding some fresh and refreshing sides. A crisp vegetable salad is a healthy and crunchy option, while cucumber raita, a yogurt-based dish, helps cool down the spices in the curry. For a bit of tangy flavor, you can include some pickles on the side as well. 

No matter how you serve it, Butter Paneer Masala is sure to be the star of your table! It’s a dish everyone will enjoy and want to come back for.

Ingredient Highlights

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an important ingredient in butter paneer masala. They add a rich and tangy flavor to the dish, making it so tasty. To get the best results, use the freshest tomatoes you can find. Look for medium-sized tomatoes that are bright red. Avoid tomatoes that are pinkish or yellow, as they might not have the right flavor or ripeness. These bright red tomatoes not only add great taste but also give the dish its natural reddish color, along with Kashmiri chili powder. Fresh tomatoes make a big difference in creating the perfect butter paneer masala!
• Butter: Butter is the heart of Butter Paneer Masala! It’s what gives the dish its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture. Without butter, the dish just wouldn’t have that amazing indulgent taste we all love. 
• Cashews: Cashews are a must-have for Butter Paneer Masala! They add a rich, nutty flavor and give the gravy its thick, creamy texture. They make the dish feel like a warm, comforting hug for your taste buds. 
• Kasuri Methi: These are dried fenugreek leaves, and they add a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that makes the dish taste just like it does in your favorite restaurant. It’s that extra touch that makes Butter Paneer Masala stand out. 
• Fresh Cream: Cream is what makes the dish extra smooth and velvety. It balances out the spices and gives the gravy a rich, luxurious feel. Just a little bit of cream can take the dish to the next level! 

For more delicious recipes, be sure to explore the options below:

• Matar Paneer
• Dal Palak
• Paneer Masala
• Channa Masala

Pro Tips

• Straining the tomato paste is a simple but important step to make your dish smooth and silky. When you strain it, you remove seeds and little fibrous bits that can make the sauce feel rough. This gives your gravy a velvety texture and better flavor. Plus, since we’re using spices like bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom, straining helps get rid of any small grains that might cause bitterness. Skipping this step could leave your sauce less refined. It only takes a few extra minutes, but the result is worth it! 
• Paneer is soft and creamy, but overcooking it can make it rubbery and chewy. So, to keep it tender and delicious, add the paneer cubes near the end of cooking. Then, simmer them gently for just a few minutes. Be careful not to boil or overcook, as this can ruin the texture. Handle the paneer gently, and it will stay soft and tasty in your dish. 
• If you want the freshest, creamiest paneer, consider making it at home. Homemade paneer is softer and absorbs flavors better than store-bought ones. The best part? It’s easy to make! All you need is milk and an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. Plus, you can decide how firm or soft you want it. Yes, it takes a little extra time, but the taste and texture are worth the effort. 
• Here’s a quick trick: fry the paneer before adding it to your dish. Just sprinkle a little Kashmiri chili powder while frying for extra flavor and a nice red color. This step also helps the paneer hold its shape, so it doesn’t break apart while cooking. Plus, it gives your curry or stir-fry a richer taste and a lovely pop of color. It’s a small step with big benefits!