Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of India with this irresistible Paneer Butter Masala - a dish that promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience! Imagine tender paneer cubes swimming in a luxuriously creamy, butter-rich sauce that's bursting with aromatic spices and flavors so intense, they'll make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the paneer into even-sized pieces, finely chopping the onion, and pureeing the tomatoes.
- Heat butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the masala, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garam masala, sugar, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the spices thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the cream, creating a smooth and rich sauce.
- Add paneer cubes to the sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the paneer is heated through without becoming tough.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and a small dollop of butter for extra richness.
- Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best texture and flavor. If possible, make your own or buy from a reliable source.
- Ensure you sauté the onions until they're golden brown - this builds a deep, rich flavor base for your sauce.
- Cook the tomato puree until the oil separates, which concentrates the flavors and removes any raw tomato taste.
- Don't overcook the paneer - add it towards the end and simmer gently to keep it soft and tender.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use fresh cream and add a small dollop of butter just before serving.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
