Origin & Significance
Paneer Butter Masala is a beloved North Indian dish with its roots in Punjabi cuisine. Known for its creamy, rich, and mildly spiced tomato-based gravy, this dish is a staple in Indian restaurants and homes alike. It embodies the essence of Mughlai flavors while being a vegetarian alternative to Butter Chicken. Traditionally served with naan, roti, or rice, Paneer Butter Masala is a celebration of aromatic spices and velvety textures.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Paneer Butter Masala Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 10-12 cashew nuts (soaked and blended into a paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
For the Paneer
- 250 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon butter (for sautéing, optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Step-by-Step Preparation
📌 Step 1: Preparing the Gravy
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf; let them splutter.
- Sauté chopped onions until golden brown, then add ginger and garlic paste. Cook until the raw aroma disappears.
- Pour in the tomato puree and mix in turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder.
- Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
📌 Step 2: Adding Creaminess
- Stir in the cashew paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Add 1 cup of water and salt, then simmer for 5 minutes.
📌 Step 3: Cooking the Paneer
- If desired, lightly sauté the paneer cubes in butter for a minute.
- Gently add them to the prepared gravy.
📌 Step 4: Final Touches
- Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
- Stir in fresh cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
📌 Step 5: Serving
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
Enjoy this delicious, restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala at home! 🍽️✨
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
🧀 Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
- Rich in protein for muscle growth and repair.
- High in calcium and phosphorus, promoting strong bones and teeth.
- Contains casein protein, which provides sustained energy release.
- Helps in weight management by keeping you full for longer.
🌰 Cashew Nuts
- Loaded with healthy fats that support heart health.
- Good source of magnesium, improving nerve function.
- Rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
🍅 Tomatoes
- High in vitamin C, boosting immunity and skin health.
- Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for heart and eye health.
- Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
🧄 Garlic & Ginger
- Natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Improves digestion and supports gut health.
- Boosts immunity and protects against colds and infections.
🌿 Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Aids digestion and reduces bloating.
- Rich in iron, beneficial for people with anemia.
🧈 Butter & Fresh Cream (in moderation)
- Good source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
- Adds healthy saturated fats needed for brain function.
Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of Paneer Butter Masala, a dish that perfectly balances spice, sweetness, and tanginess! Whether paired with naan, roti, or steamed rice, this North Indian delicacy is sure to impress your taste buds.
Try making this restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala at home using authentic, high-quality spices from https://www.swadescart.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience and feedback in the comments, and tag us on social media using #SwadesCart #PaneerButterMasala #AuthenticIndianFlavors.
➡️ Shop premium-quality Indian spices now: https://www.swadescart.com/