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Easy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

Easy Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy and flavorful Indian dish featuring soft paneer cheese simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and finished with fresh coriander. This comforting recipe is perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Paneer and Spices

  • 200 g (7 oz) paneer cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Sauce

  • 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
  • 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 150 ml (3/4 cup) vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • 200 ml (1 cup) passata (tomato sauce)
  • 150 ml (3/4 cup) double (heavy) cream
  • Handful of chopped fresh coriander

Instructions

  1. Prepare Paneer: Cut the paneer cheese into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add the garam masala, ground coriander, and paprika and gently toss to coat the paneer evenly. Set aside while making the sauce.
  2. Blend Aromatics: Place the onion, garlic, and ginger into a food processor and blend until smooth, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Cook Onion Mixture: Heat the sunflower oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat, then melt the butter in it. Add the blended onion mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions start to brown slightly, enhancing the flavor.
  4. Add Paneer: Add the spiced paneer cubes into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the flavors.
  5. Spice It Up: Stir in the curry powder, paprika, and ground cinnamon, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
  6. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock, tomato puree, and passata. Stir well to combine, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  7. Finish with Cream: Stir in the double cream and simmer for an additional minute to heat through and create a velvety texture.
  8. Add Fresh Coriander and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh coriander, season to taste, and serve the paneer butter masala hot over rice, optionally garnished with extra coriander leaves.

Notes

  • Paneer can be substituted with tofu for a vegan version, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Use fresh cream for a richer flavor; low-fat options may alter the texture.
  • Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of garam masala and paprika.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for an authentic Indian meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/easy-paneer-butter-masala-recipe/