Best Easy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Paneer butter masala is a creamy, tomato-based vegetarian curry with soft paneer cubes in a luscious sauce. This high protein vegetarian dish is a beloved family favorite across India.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #indian curry #creamy paneer
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • paneer 14 oz
  • tomatoes 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • cashews 1 oz
  • unsalted butter 3 tbsp
  • heavy cream 0.5 cup
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • fresh ginger 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • red chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • ground turmeric 0.25 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
  • kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 19%
Protein 17 g 18%
Fat 24 g 63%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cashews; continue to cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes are soft and mixture thickens.

  3. 3

    Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.

  4. 4

    Return the blended mixture to the pan. Stir in remaining butter, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  5. 5

    Add cream and cubed paneer. Simmer gently on low heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the paneer. Sprinkle kasuri methi, stir once, and cook another minute. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in this Paneer Butter Masala recipe is paneer, which provides the signature creamy texture and high protein content that define this dish. The combination of paneer with butter and heavy cream makes the sauce rich and satisfying.
Q. What spices give Paneer Butter Masala its unique flavor?
The flavor profile is built with garam masala, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, and kasuri methi. These spices create the warm, aromatic base and distinctive taste that make this curry stand out.
Q. How do I prevent the paneer from becoming tough?
To keep the paneer soft, always simmer it on low heat in the sauce for no more than 7–8 minutes and avoid stirring vigorously. Overcooking or high heat can make paneer dry and rubbery.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each serving of Paneer Butter Masala is approximately 220g and provides about 370 kcal, with 18g carbohydrates (19%), 17g protein (18%), and 24g fat (63%). This makes it a high-protein, vegetarian curry with a rich, satisfying profile.
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