Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala: A Creamy, Dreamy Vegetarian Delight
1 hour
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About Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala: A Creamy, Dreamy Vegetarian Delight
Craving creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Indian food? Recreate the magic of restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.Tender paneer cubes swim in a luscious tomato gravy, infused with aromatic spices and a touch of cream. It's the authentic taste you love, ready for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.Impress your loved ones with this rich and flavorful dish – every bite is a ticket to culinary heaven!
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
For the Masala Base
- 200 gm Cottage Cheese cut into thick cubes
- 4 medium Tomatoes diced
- 2 medium Onions 1 diced, 1 thinly sliced
- 2 Chilies slit lengthwise, green
- 7 clove Garlic minced
For the Gravy
- 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Chili Powder to taste, red
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tbsp Mango Powder amchur, dry
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
For Garnish
- Coriander chopped, to taste, fresh
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle, releasing their aroma. This step infuses the oil with a warm, earthy flavor.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine. Cook until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce, about 10-12 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend into a smooth paste. This creates the base for our rich and creamy gravy.
- Heat ½ teaspoon of oil in the same wok over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and slit green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the blended tomato paste into the wok. Add the dry mango powder, coriander powder, and additional salt, if needed. Stir well to combine.
- Add the butter and heavy cream to the gravy. Stir until the butter melts and the gravy becomes rich and creamy. This adds a touch of indulgence to the dish.
- Add ½ cup of water to adjust the gravy's consistency. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer evenly. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For extra depth of flavor, lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes until golden before adding them to the gravy—this adds a subtle crunch and helps them hold their shape.
- If you prefer a restaurant-style silky sauce, blend the cooked tomato-onion mixture until completely smooth, then strain it through a sieve before returning it to the pan.
- To enhance the tangy profile, add a splash of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Paneer Butter Masala thickens as it cools; if preparing in advance, reserve a bit of cream or milk to stir in when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. Ghee (clarified butter) is also a delicious option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to the gravy. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
- Freshly grated ginger and garlic will give the dish the most vibrant flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Paneer Butter Masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to thin the sauce.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 11gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.4gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 1140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g
5 Comments
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Such a flavorful dish! Can’t wait to taste it.
This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
What a delightful recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This is amazing! Excited to make it.