Paneer Butter Masala is India’s one of the most popular paneer gravy recipes. Paneer otherwise known as Indian cottage cheese cubes are smothered in a creamy and in lightly spiced tomato sauce which make this dish a downright delicious. Here's a classic recipe for Paneer Butter Masala, a popular North Indian dish known for its creamy tomato-based gravy and tender paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
Ingredients of Paneer Butter Masala
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped or pureed
- 1/2 cup tomato puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup cashews, soaked in warm water
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp of red chili powder (adjust red chili according to your to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions of making Paneer Butter Masala
1. Start by preparing the creamy base:
- Grind the soaked cashews into a smooth paste using a little water. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another couple of minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Let the mixture cool, then blend it into a smooth paste.
2. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Add cumin seeds when the butter melt completely and let them splutter.
4. Add the tomato puree, tomato paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, green chilies and Stir occasionally. Cook all these masala until the oil comes out of it.
5. Add the cashew paste and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes.
6. Add the paneer cubes to the masala. Stir gently and coat the paneer with the sauce. You can also add a little water to adjust the consistency of the mixture if it is too thick.
7. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add crushed kasuri methi .
8. Add garam masala and salt. Mix well and let the curry simmer for a few minutes.
9. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This will make the curry creamy and rich.
10. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
12. Serve Paneer Butter Masala with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
This dish is loved for its indulgent flavors and creamy texture. Adjust the spice levels and creaminess according to your preferences. Enjoy your homemade Paneer Butter Masala!
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