Easy Butter Paneer Recipe You'll Love at Home

Are you in the mood for a comforting, restaurant-quality Indian dish that you can whip up in your own kitchen? Look no further than this Easy Butter Paneer Recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This Butter Paneer recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises to deliver the authentic taste of an Indian delicacy. Whether it's for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe ensures you get the delicious taste of India without the hassle.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to make this delightful dish:

• 250 grams of paneer, cubed
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup of cashews, soaked and ground into a paste
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons of kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps to Make Easy Butter Paneer

Let's dive into making this easy Butter Paneer at home:

1. Prepare the Base: In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Introduce Spices: Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Cook for a minute, ensuring the spices release their flavors.
4. Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Add Cashew Paste: Reduce the heat, add the cashew paste, and stir well to avoid any lumps. This adds a rich, creamy texture to the curry.
6. Season and Sweeten: Add salt, garam masala, and if you prefer a bit of sweetness, add honey or sugar. Mix thoroughly.
7. Simmer Further: Let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Introduce Cream: Slowly pour in the cream while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth texture. This step adds the signature richness to Butter Paneer.
9. Add Paneer: Gently add the paneer cubes into the curry, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cover and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
10. Add Kasuri Methi: Rub the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle over the curry to impart a subtle, earthy flavor.
11. Final Touches: Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the curry for an extra buttery taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🎨 Note: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the onion, ginger-garlic, and cashew paste together before adding to the curry.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this delectable Butter Paneer with steamed basmati rice, naan, or paratha to soak up all that luxurious gravy.
• Accompany with a side of fresh salad or raita for a balanced meal.

💡 Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute cream with Greek yogurt or use less butter. However, for the authentic taste, stick to the traditional ingredients.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Paneer

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Butter Paneer turns out perfect every time:

• Use fresh paneer for the best texture. If using store-bought, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
• For an extra layer of flavor, marinate paneer cubes in yogurt with a pinch of salt for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the heat level according to your taste. Start with less chili powder and increase if needed.
• The richness of the dish comes from the cashew paste and cream, so do not skimp on these ingredients for the authentic taste.
• Before adding cream, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling.

In wrapping up this culinary journey, we've delved into the Easy Butter Paneer Recipe, perfect for your next home meal. This dish captures the essence of Indian cuisine with its creamy, mildly spiced gravy, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can transform into a luxurious feast. Whether you're cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this recipe offers an authentic taste with minimal effort. With its easy-to-follow steps and handy tips, you're now equipped to make your own version of this beloved dish. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of homemade Butter Paneer, and let the love for Indian food envelop your kitchen.

Can I make Butter Paneer in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare Butter Paneer in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of paneer?

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If paneer is not available, you can substitute with tofu or any firm white cheese like halloumi or cottage cheese.

Is Butter Paneer vegetarian or vegan?

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Butter Paneer is vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute along with plant-based butter or oil.

How can I make the curry less spicy?

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To reduce the spiciness, decrease the amount of chili powder or remove it entirely. You can also add a bit more cream or tomato puree to balance the flavors.

What are some variations of Butter Paneer?

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Some variations include adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers, using coconut milk instead of cream for a different flavor profile, or even making a Makhani version with more spices like fenugreek seeds or a touch of nutmeg.