Recipe: Paneer Butter Masala – Soft Paneer Cubes in Rich Tomato Gravy

A Classic Paneer Butter Masala – Soft Paneer Cubes in Rich Tomato Gravy

Origin: Punjab, India
Category: Main Course | Vegetarian
Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes
Serves: 4

Paneer Butter Masala – Soft Paneer Cubes in Rich Tomato Gravy

Paneer Butter Masala – Soft paneer cubes in creamy, spiced tomato gravy.

Paneer Butter Masala is a quintessential Punjabi dish featuring tender cubes of paneer simmered in a rich, buttery tomato gravy. Infused with spices like garam masala, cumin, and fenugreek, it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

🧂 Ingredients

Paneer

  • 250g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • Salt to taste

🍳 Instructions

  1. Sauté Paneer: Heat oil or 1 tbsp butter in a pan, add paneer cubes, and cook until golden brown on all sides
  2. Prepare Gravy: Heat butter and oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes & Spices: Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
  4. Simmer & Add Cream: Reduce heat, add cream, kasuri methi, and garam masala. Mix well.
  5. Combine Paneer: Gently fold in the sautéed paneer cubes and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions

For a richer flavor, add 1 tbsp cashew paste or more butter. Pair with garlic naan or steamed basmati rice for an authentic Punjabi meal.

✨ Fun Fact

Paneer Butter Masala is a popular restaurant dish worldwide and is often served at festive occasions in India due to its creamy and mild flavor.

Recipe by Love Indian Bites — Explore global cooking recipes and make them at home, all in one place.

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