Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala Recipe | Step-by-Step Guide

Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Updated: December 14, 2024 | By: My Phone Paintings

Introduction

Looking for the perfect homemade Paneer Butter Masala? You've come to the right place! This creamy and flavorful dish is a favorite at Indian restaurants, and now you can make it in your own kitchen in just 30-40 minutes. Serve it with naan, roti, or rice, and you're all set for a delicious meal.

What is Paneer Butter Masala?

Paneer Butter Masala (PBM) is a rich and creamy curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tomatoes, onions, cashews, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is famous for its buttery texture and vibrant, flavorful sauce. It’s a popular vegetarian option at most Indian restaurants and goes perfectly with naan, chapati, or rice.

Ingredients

Paneer (200-250 grams, cubed)
Butter (1.5 tbsp)
Heavy cream (2-3 tbsp)
Cashews (10-12, soaked in warm water)
2 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
Spices: Green cardamom, garam masala, red chili powder, coriander powder, kasuri methi, salt
1 cup water (for gravy consistency)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Paneer Butter Masala

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala at home:

Soak the Paneer (optional): If you're using store-bought paneer, soak the cubes in hot water for 15-20 minutes. Skip this if you’re using homemade paneer.
Sauté Onions & Spices: Heat oil in a pan. Add green cardamoms and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent (around 4 minutes). Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Cashews: Add chopped tomatoes and soaked cashews. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend into the mix, around 5 minutes.
Blend the Mixture: Let the tomato-onion mixture cool and blend it into a smooth puree, adding 1 cup of water for consistency.
Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, melt butter and add the pureed mixture. Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens. Stir in garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
Add Paneer and Cream: Add the paneer cubes and crushed kasuri methi. Stir in cream for that rich, creamy texture.
Simmer and Serve: Let the curry simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Butter Masala is a perfect dish to pair with naan, jeera rice, or chapati. You can also serve it with plain steamed basmati rice for a simple, yet delicious meal.

Pro Tips

Silky Gravy: The key to a perfect Paneer Butter Masala is a smooth, velvety gravy. Make sure to blend the onion-tomato mixture well or strain it if needed.
Fry Paneer: Frying the paneer cubes before adding them to the curry makes them extra soft. But, don’t overcook, as it can make the paneer rubbery.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tomatoes and good-quality butter for the best flavor.

Substitutes

If you're looking for alternatives, here are some options:

Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
Substitute cashews with almonds or other nuts, or skip them entirely if you prefer.
If you don't have butter, you can use ghee or oil, although butter gives the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Simply sauté the onions, tomatoes, and spices in the Instant Pot. Add water and pressure cook for 6 minutes. Blend the mixture, add butter, paneer, and cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting paneer with tofu and using plant-based cream and butter substitutes like coconut cream or cashew cream.

Why is my paneer hard after cooking?

If your paneer turns out hard, it could be due to two reasons: overcooking the paneer or using store-bought paneer with additives. To keep it soft, soak the paneer cubes in hot water before adding them to the curry or use homemade paneer. Avoid cooking it for too long in the gravy, as this can also lead to a tough texture.

What can I serve with Paneer Butter Masala?

Paneer Butter Masala pairs perfectly with naan, chapati, paratha, or rice. You can also serve it with Jeera rice or plain basmati rice for a delicious and fulfilling meal. A side of fresh salad (onion, cucumber, and lemon wedges) also complements the dish well.

How do I store leftover Paneer Butter Masala?

Store any leftover Paneer Butter Masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on a low flame, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain its creamy consistency. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

Can I prepare Paneer Butter Masala ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen and taste even better the next day! After cooking, let the curry cool down, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Reheat it before serving, and add a little cream or water to adjust the consistency.

What is the best kind of paneer to use for this recipe?

The best paneer for this recipe is fresh, soft paneer. If using store-bought paneer, make sure to select one that doesn't contain additives like starch. You can refresh store-bought paneer by soaking it in hot water for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the curry, which will help keep it soft.

Can I make Paneer Butter Masala without cream?

If you're looking to make a lighter version, you can substitute cream with milk or cashew cream. For a more indulgent flavor, however, I recommend using fresh cream, as it gives the dish a rich, smooth texture.

Why does my Paneer Butter Masala taste bland?

If your dish tastes bland, it may be due to under-seasoning or a lack of depth in the spice mixture. Ensure that you're using fresh spices, and don't skip ingredients like garam masala, kasuri methi, and ginger-garlic paste. Adjust salt and sugar to balance the flavors, and add more cream for richness if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Simply sauté the vegetables with the onions and spices or cook them along with the curry base, then add the paneer as usual. Make sure the vegetables are soft and tender before adding the cream.