Paneer Butter Masala | Rich & Creamy Indian Cottage Cheese Gravy | Madras Samayal

Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy, flavorful, and mildly spiced North Indian dish loved by all. It pairs perfectly with naan, roti, chapati, or jeera rice. This dish is rich with the goodness of butter, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, making it a must-try recipe. Let’s learn how to make restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala at home!

Ingredients

For the Base Masala

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion (chopped)
• Salt (as needed)
• 4 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 6 cashew nuts

For the Gravy

• 3 to 4 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamoms
• Ground base masala (from above)
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt (as needed)
• 200g paneer (cubed)
• ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tbsp fresh cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Base Masala

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan.
2. Add chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and cashew nuts.
4. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend well.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste using a mixer.

Step 2: Making the Paneer Butter Masala

1. Heat 3 to 4 tbsp butter in a pan.
2. Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms. Sauté until aromatic.
3. Add the ground masala paste and mix well.
4. Stir in garam masala, chilli powder, sugar, and salt.
5. Cook on medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add paneer cubes and mix gently.
7. Allow it to simmer until the gravy thickens and the paneer absorbs the flavors.
8. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle over the curry.
9. For extra richness, add 1 tbsp fresh cream or a little butter.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Butter Masala is best enjoyed with naan, roti, chapati, jeera rice, or pulao. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for special occasions.

Watch the Full Recipe Video

A Heartfelt Tribute

This Paneer Butter Masala recipe beautifully brings out the richness of traditional Indian cuisine. The creamy texture, combined with aromatic spices, makes it a delightful dish for all food lovers. A special thanks to Madras Samayal for sharing this amazing recipe and helping us recreate restaurant-style flavors at home!