Paneer Butter Masala

Directions

  1. 1Chop the tomatoes, slice the onions, peel and finely chop the garlic and ginger.
  2. 2Prepare the yogurt masala mix: combine yogurt, chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and butter, then set aside.
  3. 3In a pan, add ghee, bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom pods on medium high heat.
  4. 4After 30 seconds, add ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and cook for a minute.
  5. 5Add the onions and cook until translucent.
  6. 6Add the yogurt mix and cook for a few minutes.
  7. 7Add dried red chilies and cashews, and incorporate.
  8. 8Add the tomatoes, salt to taste, and chili powder, then stir to combine.
  9. 9Add just enough water to cover the tomatoes, then cover the pan and let it cook till the tomatoes turn mushy.
  10. 10Cut the paneer into cubes.
  11. 11Soak the paneer in warm salted water to soften them up.
  12. 12Remove the whole spices and blend the tomato mixture until smooth.
  13. 13Make a final tadka (optional): melt butter in a pan, add finely chopped onions and chili powder, and cook until translucent.
  14. 14Add the blended gravy into the tadka, and mix it up.
  15. 15Taste it, adjust the amount of salt and sugar to balance the flavors.
  16. 16Add more butter and crushed kasuri methi.
  17. 17Add the paneer and serve with a final garnish of heavy cream and coriander.

Ingredients

  • 6 Roma tomatoes
  • 1.5 cups sliced onions
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ginger
  • 3 tbsp yogurt
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander powder
  • turmeric
  • 3 tbsp Ghee
  • Bay leaves
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 2 Thai green chilies
  • 2 Dried red chilies
  • 18 cashews
  • to taste salt
  • chili powder
  • 220 g Paneer
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp kasuri methi
  • Heavy cream
  • Coriander

Equipment

KnifeCutting boardBowlPanSpatulaBlender

Tips

  • Soak paneer in warm salted water to soften it up.
  • The final tadka (tempering) with butter, onions, and chili powder is optional but enhances the flavor.