Paneer Butter Masala recipe

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe: A Deliciously Creamy Dish

Paneer Butter Masala, a popular North Indian dish, is widely loved for its rich and creamy flavor, paired with soft, succulent paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese). It combines a perfect blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, cream, and butter, making it a flavorful dish that’s often a favorite at restaurants and home kitchens alike. 

Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Paneer Makhani, is a beloved North Indian dish that is famous for its rich, creamy texture and robust flavor. Made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), this dish combines aromatic spices, creamy tomato gravy, and butter, making it a delectable choice for many. Whether served in restaurants or homemade kitchens, Paneer Butter Masala is enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice.

Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

• 250g Paneer (cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon Oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 Tomatoes (pureed)
• 1-2 Green Chilies (slit)
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cream
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup Water (to adjust gravy consistency)
• Fresh Coriander (for garnish)

Instructions for Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Prepare the Gravy

• Heat Butter and Oil:  In a large pan, heat butter and oil together over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds. The aroma of the cumin seeds will infuse the oil with a warm, earthy fragrance.

1. Sauté Onions:  Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, which usually takes around 5-6 minutes. The caramelized onions will form the base for the rich, flavorful gravy.
2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Sauté it until the raw smell disappears and the paste becomes fragrant.
3. Add Pureed Tomatoes and Green Chilies: dd the tomato puree and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should break down, and the oil will begin to separate from the mixture, signaling that it’s cooked well.
4. Add the Spices:  Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir the masala well, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices release their oils and fragrances.
5. Add Water: Add about 1/2 cup water to the pan to create a smooth gravy. Stir to combine the spices and water. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Add Kasuri Methi and Garam Masala:  Sprinkle in kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and garam masala powder. These spices add a wonderful depth of flavor and aroma to the dish. Stir them in and cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the sauce.
7. Add Paneer Cubes: Gently add the paneer cubes into the gravy. Be careful while stirring to prevent the paneer from breaking. Let the paneer cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the masala
8. Stir in Fresh Cream:
   Lower the heat and add fresh cream to the gravy. Stir gently until the cream is well incorporated, making the gravy rich, smooth, and creamy. Taste the gravy, and if needed, adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of sugar (optional) or more salt.
9. Simmer:  Let the dish simmer for another 2-3 minutes on low heat. This gives the paneer time to soak up the flavors and results in a rich, thick gravy.
10. Garnish: Garnish the Paneer Butter Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a burst of color and freshness.
11. Serve:  Serve your Paneer Butter Masala hot with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice. This creamy, flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with all kinds of Indian breads or rice.

Nutritional Benefits of Paneer Butter Masala:

While Paneer Butter Masala is known for its rich and indulgent taste, it also provides several health benefits, primarily due to the inclusion of paneer (cottage cheese) and various spices.

While Paneer Butter Masala is celebrated for its rich and indulgent taste, it also offers several health benefits, thanks to the nutritious ingredients it contains. The star of the dish, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall growth. It also provides calcium, a vital nutrient for strong bones and teeth, while aiding in nerve function and muscle contraction. The butter and cream used in the dish provide healthy fats that help with energy production and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. The tomatoes in the gravy are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, supports skin health, and helps absorb iron. Additionally, the spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and coriander contribute to various health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and enhanced heart health. Ginger and garlic are known for their digestive properties and antimicrobial effects, while turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Collectively, these ingredients make Paneer Butter Masala not only a flavorful indulgence but also a nutrient-rich meal that supports bone health, digestion, and overall wellness.

Conclusion of Paneer Butter Masala Recipe:

Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and indulgent dish that combines the goodness of paneer with a flavorful mix of spices, cream, and butter. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. With its variety of spices, this dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits, including improved digestion, stronger bones, and better heart health.

While the dish is high in calories and fats, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pair it with whole wheat naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete and wholesome meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a family dinner, Paneer Butter Masala is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.