- Essentials Ingredients
- Ripe, red & juicy tomatoes: Tomatoes are a key ingredient here and form the base of the makhani sauce. As such, it is important to choose good, ripe tomatoes that are sweet.
- If ripe tomatoes are not in season where you live, I suggest opting for using canned whole tomatoes that you blend instead.
- These canned tomatoes are picked at peak ripeness, and for whatever reason, the whole variety is generally much more flavorful than tomato purée.
- Raw Cashews: Yet another important ingredient for the gravy is cashews. The nuts impart a lovely creaminess and sheen in the dish, and the sweetness of the cashews help to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- If you are nut free, please see my recipe for Paneer Makhani, which tastes quite similar but is made with just cream and no cashews.
- Cream: In addition to using cashew paste, this Butter Paneer recipe calls for cream to help thicken the sauce and add richness.
- If you are vegan, you can opt to use coconut cream instead, though you should note that the final flavor of the dish will be impacted a bit. You can also opt to omit the cream for a less rich gravy, too.
- Butter: The amount of butter that is added is just right in this paneer butter masala recipe. Butter makes the curry luxurious and, well… buttery.
- I don’t add a ton of butter here, so you don’t have to feel too guilty about it. Also note that you can go overboard by adding too much butter, so I recommend that you stick to the recipe.
- Paneer: The quality of your paneer can make or break your dish. What you want are succulent, soft paneer cubes gently coated with a smooth, buttery tomato sauce.
- Make sure to use either Homemade Paneer (which I believe is always the best option) or good quality store bought paneer. If you opt to use store bought, be sure to follow the instructions on the package before using.
- Spices & Herbs: One reason this recipe is so great for weeknights is that the list of herbs and spices isn’t intimidatingly long. For that brilliant orange color, you need to add Kashmiri red chilli powder.
- If you don’t have any on hand, you can sub it with cayenne pepper or sweet paprika instead. You will also need garam masala powder. Kasuri methi, which are dried fenugreek leaves, also add good flavor.
- Just skip them if you do not have them. For garnish, fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) are added.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time it takes to cook?
30-45 minutes approx.
What is the main dish for paneer butter masala?
It goes so well with Butter naan, roti, Chapati, plain fluffy Basmati Rice or Jeera Rice..
Health Benefits of Paneer Butter Masala?
Protein-rich: Paneer is an excellent source of protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
Does paneer butter masala have sugar?
Yes, Paneer Butter Masala typically contains sugar as part of the recipe, although some recipes may use it sparingly or omit it altogether
Got questions?
Feel free to reach out