If you’re craving a thick, creamy, and delicious Indian meal, Paneer Butter Masala is the perfect choice! This restaurant-style dish features soft paneer chunks in a smooth tomato-cashew gravy, a blend of butter, cream, and aromatic spices. It’s one of the most popular vegetarian curries across India and goes well with naan, roti, or rice.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this easy Paneer Butter Masala recipe will bring the same taste of your favorite restaurant to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can make this royal dish at home. Let’s start…
Ingredients For Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
For the Curry
- Paneer – 200 gm (cut into cubes)
- Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
- Garam Masala – 1/2 tsp
- Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
- Kasturi Methi – 1 tsp (crushed)
- Fresh Cream – 3 tbsp
- Water – 1 Cup (adjust as needed)
- Sugar – 1 tbsp (optional for balance)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Gravy
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Tomatoes – 3 (roughly chopped)
- Onion – 1 Large(chopped)
- Garlic Cloves – 4-5
- Cashews – 10-12 (soaked in warm water)
- Green Cardamoms – 2
- Small Cinnamon Stick – 1
Instructions For Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Step 1: Make the Base
- Heat oil and butter in a pan.
- Add onions and fry until golden.
- Add tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cashews, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Cook until the tomatoes soften and release oil.Let it cool slightly, then grind into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Cook the Curry
- Add a little butter to the same pan.
- Add the prepared paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add 1 cup water and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Paneer and Cream
Gently add the paneer pieces to the gravy. Sprinkle with garam masala and kasuri methi. Add fresh cream, stir gently, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with coriander leaves and cream. Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Tips for Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
- You can replace cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes to make them soft.
- Adjust chili powder based on your spice preference.
- Use fresh cream or full-fat milk for a rich texture.
- For vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Creamy, rich, and comforting curry
- Restaurant-style taste at home
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions
Conclusion For Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Paneer Butter Masala is truly a royal and comforting dinner recipe that brings the authentic taste of an Indian restaurant straight to your doorstep. With its buttery texture, creamy gravy, and mild spices, it’s a dish everyone in your family will love. So, the next time you’re craving something special for dinner, make this delicious curry in your own kitchen instead of heading to a restaurant. You will love it.
Thankyou foodies for reading paneer butter masala recipe do share with your loved ones.. Stay tuned for more recipes.
If you are paneer lover then also read shahi paneer recipe..
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Q.1 Is Paneer Butter Masala the same as Butter Paneer?
- A.1 Yes, these both paneer butter masala and butter paneer are the same recipe. Both are made up of paneer, butter, cream, and a tomato-based gravy.
- Q.2 Can I make Paneer Butter Masala recipe without cream?
- A.2 Yes you can skip the cream and replace it with milk, malai, or blended cashews for a lighter version. It still tastes rich and creamy without the extra fat from cream.
- Q.3 How to make Paneer Butter Masala recipe without onion and garlic?
- A.3 For a Jain-friendly version, skip onion and garlic. Use tomatoes, cashews, and ginger as your base. Add cream and kasuri methi for aroma and richness it tastes just as delicious.
- Q.4 How to make Paneer Butter Masala thick and creamy?
- A.4 To get a thick and creamy gravy, use soaked cashews and blend the tomato-onion base smoothly. Add fresh cream or malai at the end and simmer the curry for a few minutes on low flame. Avoid adding too much water this keeps the gravy rich.
- Q.5 How to make restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala recipe at home?
- A.5 To make restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala, saute onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and cashews in butter. Blend them into a smooth paste and cook with spices, butter, cream, and paneer cubes. The secret lies in using fresh cream, kasuri methi, and slow cooking for a rich flavor.
