Recipe- Dhaba Style Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala – Hearing the name itself makes me crave for it as its my staple order in restaurants.Is there anyone who doesnt like PB masala? I can definitely hear a NO, I’ve tried 2-3 different versions but was not fully satisfied with any as I cudnt get the exact restaurant taste.

Ingredients

Paneer – 1 packet (200 gms)
Butter – 1.5 tbsp
Oil – 1 tsp
Onion – 1 chopped finely
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp
Tomato puree – from 2 medium sized tomatoes (comes to 1 cup)
Cashewnuts – 5
Milk – 1/2 cup
Cream – 2 tbsp
Salt – to taste

For Mixing

Chilli powder – 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala powder – 1/4 tsp
Dried Kastoori methi leaves (crushed) – 1/4 tsp
Tomato sauce – 1 heaped tsp
Milk – 1 cup

Method

* Soak cashews in milk for 10mins and grind it to paste, set aside.Though this is optional it gives a richness and nice flavour to the gravy.

* Chop paneer into cubes. Take puree from 2 tomatoes and keep aside. Chop onions finely and make it ready. Now in a mixing bowl add chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, dried kasoori methi leaves, tomato sauce then add milk.

* Mix the milk spices mixture well and keep aside.In a nonstick pan add a tsp of oil, fry the paneer cubes till slightly golden brown and drain in a tissue paper and keep aside.

* Now add butter in the same pan , allow it to melt then add ginger garlic paste saute for 2mins then add onions and fry till golden browned.Then add tomato puree and fry until raw smell completely leaves, this will take atleast 5min.

* Now add the mixed milk-spices mixture,cashew paste,1/2 cup water and then simmer for 5-7 minutes.The gravy would be thick and mixed well at this stage.Add remaining 1/2 cup milk little by little stirring continuously to prevent milk from curdling. Add required salt.

Simmer again for 3mins to see like the below consistency.Then add the fried paneer cubes and mix well. Allow the paneer to sit for 2mins then switch off. Garnish with cream and Serve hot with rotis or naan.