Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, especially in North India. Known for its rich, creamy texture and mildly spiced gravy, this dish is the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 250g Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

1. Prepare the Paneer:

The first step is to prepare the paneer (Indian cottage cheese). You have two options:

• Cut the Paneer into cubes: Start by cutting the paneer block into bite-sized cubes. The size of the cubes can be adjusted to your preference, but typically they are around 1-inch in size.
• Fry the Paneer (optional): This step is optional, but lightly frying the paneer cubes in oil or ghee can add a crispy, golden texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and creamy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip frying the paneer and add it directly into the gravy.

The fried paneer will absorb the gravy better, giving it a more rich flavor, but raw (non-fried) paneer can be used too if you prefer a softer texture.

2. Make the Gravy (Base Sauce):

The key to a flavorful Paneer Butter Masala is the creamy and mildly spiced gravy. Here’s how you make it:

• Heat Butter in a Pan: Start by heating butter in a pan. Butter is the main fat used in this dish, and it gives the sauce its signature richness. You can also use a little oil along with the butter if you prefer a lighter version.
• Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add ginger-garlic paste to the hot butter. Sauté the ginger-garlic paste until it becomes fragrant, which typically takes about 30 seconds. This will infuse the oil with the essential flavors of ginger and garlic, forming the base of your gravy.
• Cook the Onions: Now, add finely chopped onions to the pan and cook them until they become golden brown. Onions are a key ingredient, and cooking them slowly and caramelizing them gives the gravy a natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the butter and cream.

3. Add the Tomato Puree and Spices:

After the onions are browned, you’ll need to add the tomatoes and spices to build the flavor base.

• Tomato Puree: Add tomato puree to the cooked onions and let it cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala. The tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
• Spices: Add a combination of red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
  • Red chili powder gives the dish its signature heat and color. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like the dish.
  • Turmeric powder imparts a warm, earthy flavor and also adds a vibrant yellow color to the gravy.
  • Salt helps bring all the flavors together and enhances the taste.

Stir the mixture well so the spices infuse into the tomato paste, and cook the masala until the oil begins to separate from the gravy. This is an indication that the spices have been properly cooked and the gravy is ready for the next step.

4. Add Garam Masala, Kasuri Methi, and Cream:

This step is crucial for creating the distinct flavor profile of Paneer Butter Masala.

• Garam Masala: Add garam masala at this stage. This spice blend is a mixture of various ground spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin. It’s a warming, aromatic spice mix that adds depth to the flavor of the dish.
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Kasuri methi is an essential ingredient that brings a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. This adds complexity and authenticity to the dish. Crush the leaves between your palms before adding them to the gravy to release their oils and enhance the flavor.
• Cream: Finally, stir in the cream. This is what makes the gravy rich, smooth, and creamy. It softens the spices and balances the heat from the chili powder. If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use milk instead.
• Adjust Consistency: After adding cream, the gravy might become quite thick, so you can adjust its consistency by adding a little water or milk. The goal is to create a smooth, slightly thick gravy that coats the paneer nicely.

5. Add the Paneer Cubes:

Once the gravy is ready, add the paneer cubes into the gravy. If you fried the paneer, it will already have a slightly crispy texture. Otherwise, raw paneer cubes will absorb the flavors of the gravy and become soft.

• Simmer the Paneer: Let the paneer simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes. This allows the paneer to absorb the flavors of the spices and gravy. You don’t need to cook the paneer for too long, as it is already cooked (if using store-bought paneer). Simmering just helps it absorb the creamy sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves (cilantro) for a fresh, aromatic touch. The coriander adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts with the richness of the gravy.

Serving Suggestions: Serve Paneer Butter Masala hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with jeera rice (cumin rice) or parathas for a more filling meal.

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Extra Tips for Perfect Paneer Butter Masala:

• Frying the Paneer: Frying the paneer gives it a slightly crispy texture that holds up better in the gravy. If you prefer soft and melt-in-your-mouth paneer, skip the frying step.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you want a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder. You can also use Kashmiri red chili powder, which gives the dish a vibrant red color without too much heat.
• Using Fresh Tomatoes: While tomato puree is commonly used for consistency, you can use fresh tomatoes as well. Simply blanch and puree them before adding them to the onions.
• Making It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, replace the paneer with tofu and use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of dairy cream. You can also use oil instead of butter for a completely plant-based version.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to make a rich, indulgent Paneer Butter Masala that is bursting with flavor and perfect for any special occasion or comforting meal. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can adjust the level of cream to make it richer or lighter according to preference.
• For a smoky flavor, you can add a little bit of ghee while cooking.