Paneer Butter Masala – the dish that unites vegetarians, impresses dinner guests, and makes you feel like a 5-star chef even if you’re just cooking in your pajamas 😅. Creamy, buttery, and full of rich tomato goodness, this recipe is hands down one of India’s most loved curries. And the best part? You don’t need a restaurant to enjoy it — you can make it at home in 2025 with this easy step-by-step recipe.
Get ready to wow your taste buds (and possibly your in-laws 😂).
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the shopping list for making Paneer Butter Masala (serves 3–4 people):
- 250 g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 tbsp fresh cream
- 2 tbsp oil
- Whole spices – 1 bay leaf, 2 green cardamoms, 4–5 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for that bright red color 🌶️)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp sugar (balances the tangy tomato flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
📌 Pro Tip: In 2025, supermarkets also sell ready “Paneer Butter Masala spice mixes” – but nothing beats the freshness of making it from scratch!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe – Paneer Butter Masala
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add the whole spices (bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon). Let them release their aroma – this is your Nawabi perfume for the curry 😋.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry for a minute till the raw smell disappears.
🍅 Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Spices
Now, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. This takes around 8–10 minutes – patience is key here!
Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well. This forms the spicy-tangy heart of your gravy.
👉 Funny Bit: This step smells so good that neighbors might ring your bell just to “borrow some salt” 😂.
🥣 Step 3: Blend for Creamy Gravy
Remove the mixture, cool it slightly, and blend into a smooth paste. (No lumps = restaurant-style smooth curry).
Reheat the pan, add another 1 tbsp butter, and pour back the blended masala. Add a little water for consistency.
🧈 Step 4: Add Paneer & Magic
Gently drop paneer cubes into the gravy. Add sugar, garam masala, and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes on low flame.
Your kitchen will now smell like a Mughlai restaurant 🤤.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves, maybe a swirl of cream on top for Insta-worthy vibes 📸.
Your Paneer Butter Masala is ready – creamy, buttery, and utterly delicious.
🍽️ How to Serve Paneer Butter Masala
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Butter naan – the classic combo
- Jeera rice or pulao – comfort vibes
- Tandoori roti or lachha paratha – for that dhaba feel
👉 Pro Tip: Always serve it hot. Cold paneer butter masala loses its charm faster than last year’s New Year resolutions 😅.
📊 Nutrition & Calorie Table – Paneer Butter Masala (per serving ~200g)
Nutrient | Approx. Value | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Calories | ~320 kcal | Balanced indulgence |
Protein | 12 g | Paneer = protein boost 💪 |
Fat | 22 g | Butter & cream (the rich part) |
Carbohydrates | 18 g | From onions & tomatoes |
Fiber | 3 g | Keeps digestion happy |
😍 Tips & Tricks for 2025 Version
✅ Use Kashmiri chili powder for bright red color without extra spice
✅ Always sauté tomatoes till oil separates – no shortcuts!
✅ Fresh cream adds richness – don’t replace with milk (it curdles)
✅ For a vegan twist, swap paneer with tofu and cream with cashew paste
✅ Make a big batch of gravy and freeze – meal prep friendly in 2025!
⭐ My View
Paneer Butter Masala is the dish that can never go out of fashion. Whether it’s a wedding buffet, Sunday family lunch, or Netflix dinner date, this curry fits everywhere. Personally, I feel the paneer-butter-naan trio is the ultimate comfort meal of all time ❤️.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes, but soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to make it softer.
Q2. Can I make it without cream?
Yes – use cashew paste (soaked + blended cashews) for a rich texture.
Q3. Is Paneer Butter Masala very spicy?
Not at all – it’s more creamy and tangy, perfect for kids and spice-shy eaters.
Q4. How long does it last in the fridge?
2–3 days easily. Just reheat and add a splash of milk/cream if it thickens.
