Paneer Butter Masala
Restaurant-style paneer butter masala — paneer cubes in a creamy tomato-cashew sauce. The Indian vegetarian classic. Mild, rich, perfect with naan.
Prep Time
17 min
Cook Time
28 min
Servings
4
Calories
342 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Paneer250 g
- Tomato2 medium
- Cream½ cup
- Onion1 medium
- Ginger1 tsp
- Garlic3 cloves
- Garam Masala1
- Salt1 tsp
- Oil2 tbsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Paneer250 g
- Tomato2 medium
- Cream0.5 cup
- Onion1 medium
- Ginger1 tsp
- Garlic3 cloves
- Garam Masala1
- Salt1 tsp
- Oil2 tbsp
Instructions
- 1
Soak ¼ cup of raw cashews in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain and blend with ¼ cup water into a smooth paste.
- 2
Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a pot. Add 1 chopped onion, cook 8 minutes until golden. Add 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, cook 1 minute.
- 3
Add 4 chopped tomatoes (or 1 can crushed tomatoes), 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1.5 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder (color), 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar (balances tomato acidity). Cook 8 minutes until oil separates.
- 4
Blend the sauce with immersion blender until completely smooth. Return to pot. Stir in cashew paste, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 cup of water.
- 5
Cube 14 oz paneer. Add to the sauce. Simmer 10 minutes — paneer absorbs the flavor.
- 6
Finish with 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 tablespoon kasoori methi (crushed), 2 tablespoons more butter. Garnish with cilantro and cream swirl. Serve with naan or basmati rice.
Watch how to make Paneer Butter Masala
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Cashew paste is essential. Creamy texture.
- 2.Smooth sauce. Blending creates restaurant-style.
- 3.Sugar balances tomato. Don't skip.
- 4.Kasoori methi at end. Defining flavor.
🔬 Why It Works
Paneer butter masala succeeds with the smooth creamy tomato-cashew sauce that defines the dish. The cashews + cream provide richness; the spice blend provides depth; the smooth texture comes from blending. Kasoori methi adds the distinctive Indian restaurant aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Difference from butter chicken?▾
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4.5
132 home cooks rated this
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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