A Lip-Smacking Recipe Delicious Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is a classic and popular North Indian dish that combines succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. This vegetarian delight is loved by people of all ages and is a perfect choice for special occasions or as a comforting homemade meal. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step preparation process of Paneer Butter Masala and provide an estimate of the preparation and cooking time.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 cup fresh cream
1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in water
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnishing

Method

- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.

- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

- Add the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.

- In the meantime, grind the soaked cashew nuts into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.

- Add the cashew paste to the pan and mix well with the masala.

- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir to combine the spices with the masala.

- Cook the masala for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

- Add the paneer cubes to the masala and gently mix them, ensuring they are coated well with the sauce.

- Pour in the fresh cream and stir gently. Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water if necessary.

- Simmer the paneer butter masala for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.

- Once done, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

- Serve the Paneer Butter Masala hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.