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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish For Chapati

    Paneer butter masala recipe, How to make butter paneer

    July 24, 2012 by Raks Anand 68 Comments / Jump to Recipe

    Paneer butter masala recipe with step by step pictures, video. The popular restaurant style gravy side dish for Indian flatbreads.

    paneer-butter-masala
    Paneer butter masala

    Restaurant style paneer butter masala with soft Indian cottage cheese cubes in a rich and creamy buttery gravy. Eat with naan, rice - mild pulao and other flat breads.

    Check out this tikka masala recipe and shahi paneer recipe in my website.

    Jump to:
    • About
    • Ingredients
    • FAQs
    • Top tip
    • Storing
    • Variations
    • Related posts
    • Recipe card
    • Step by step photos

    Other than eating Paneer butter masala at restaurant, the recipe was first introduced to me by my friend Sangeeta.

    Till then I had no clue about the creamy texture that we get in restaurants. So first of all thanks to her for the recipe.

    This is the recipe I follow, as I make it weekly for Aj, it is very easy for me these days. I already have posted a microwave version.

    But I know many of the readers google search specifically. So thought I should post this yummy recipe here.

    About

    Paneer butter masala or butter paneer is a popular Indian recipe. It is widely known through out the world as most of the Indian restaurants have this as main side dish in their menu card.

    Buttery, creamy, rich side dish for flatbread with Indian cottage cheese Paneer is such a delight for taste buds. It is very easy to prepare this at home if you follow the steps.

    There are numerous versions of the paneer butter masala recipe available in the internet.

    But since it is widely made in Indian restaurants and households, each have it's own touch. There is no major right or wrong as long as the base remains same.

    Paneer butter masala is made with a creamy base out of onion, tomato, cashews, spice powders. Use cream for making the gravy rich and delicious. Saute the base in butter or top it with generous butter.

    Juicy, tender and soft fresh paneer blends well in this buttery gravy.

    Ingredients

    Paneer - Even though fresh homemade paneer is best in the gravy, you can also use fresh paneer available in Indian groceries.

    Any fresh paneer which is not frozen and available in regular shelves of the cooler works too. This usually have an expiry of 20 days alone. Make sure to choose the fresh ones, not the one close to expiry.

    Frozen paneer works too, just make sure to pick up a good quality ones.

    As far as I have used, Kohinoor works for me well. Frozen paneer have a variety called malai paneer, which has more fat content and stays soft.

    Irrespective of fresh, frozen, malai variety, I make sure to keep immersed in hot water before adding in the gravy.

    Tomato - Use red ripe tomatoes for best color, taste. You can also substitute this with 2 to 3 tablespoon of store bought paste or ¼ cup store bought puree. Adjust the quantity according to the tart.

    Cream - Tinned nestle cream or cooking cream works best. Alternately, use milk instead of water to dilute if you do not have cream.

    Butter - Unsalted butter is perfect for making butter paneer as it is won't affect the salt measurement in the recipe.

    paneer butter masala
    Creamy Paneer butter masala

    FAQs

    Why my paneer turns rubbery?

    Do not over cook the paneer. Add to the gravy towards end and just bring to a boil after that.

    Should we fry paneer before adding to gravy?

    I usually do not do this for butter paneer. Prefer the un fried texture than the fried ones. But it is not a mistake to do so. If you want you can go ahead and do it.

    I feel frying affects the texture of paneer to more firmer texture. But just follow my rule of soaking in hot water to keep the paneer soft.

    Can we use tomato puree instead of tomato?

    Store bought tomato puree is double tart than the fresh tomatoes, so you have to add very less and careful with the amount while adding.

    I love how store bought tomato puree adds texture, taste and color that matches restaurant's butter paneer.

    How to grind cashews smoothly?

    I used cashews while sautéing instead of adding it in ground form.

    It is usually hard to grind small amount of ground cashew required just for the recipe. So if you want to use cashew paste, I suggest soaking more quantity of cashews and keep it preserved in fridge or frozen, use as needed in the recipes.

    To freeze the ground cashew , you can use the ice tray and let it be for 12 hours. Once frozen, you can put the cubes it in ziploc or airtight container. Use one or two cubes according to the quantity of the gravy.

    Just add it while sauteeing the onion tomato base masala.

    Top tip

    How to avoid the gravy split (curdle)?

    The gravy splits or curdles when there is no binding agent in the base. So use fine cashew paste to avoid this happening.

    Also the trick my friend taught me is to slowly add, stir little by little in low flame. Do not add all the cream/ milk in one go.

    • You can add milk fully to make it gravy without adding any water. This way you get thicker and more creamier gravy.
    • I have added garlic, ginger and cashews while sautéing.
    • If you have ginger garlic paste, then you can add while you fry ground onion tomato.
    • Same applies for cashew . You can saute along ground onion tomato.

    Storing

    Paneer butter masala keeps good for couple of days in fridge if it is left over.

    Freezing - You can divide into portions and freeze paneer butter masala up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat to use it.

    Some of my friends also make the base gravy over weekend and use it up in the week days. This need not be frozen but can be kept in the fridge for 5 days. You can also box it eventually.

    Variations

    Since this post is updated version, the old version have not much major difference in main ingredients. Only couple of difference:

    • I used a mirch tadka (Temper 1 teaspoon whole black pepper, one red chilli in butter) and add on top as final touch.
    • Instead of coriander powder, I use my sambar powder - which is majorly red chilli and coriander with traces of cumin, methi seeds. So totally does justice to the flavor.

    Related posts

    • Malai kofta
    • Kadai paneer
    • Aloo gobi masala
    • Paneer recipes

    Recipe card

    paneer butter masala
    Print Pin
    5 from 11 votes

    Paneer butter masala recipe

    Paneer butter masala recipe with step by step pictures, video. The popular restaurant style gravy side dish for Indian flatbreads.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Servings 3
    Calories 635kcal
    Cup measurements

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 cups Paneer cubes
    • ¾ cup Onion, cubed 2 small sized
    • 1 cup Tomato, cubed 2 small sized
    • 4 Garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger chopped
    • 2 Green chilli medium spice
    • 5 Cashew nuts
    • ½ cup Milk
    • ¼ cup Cooking cream
    • 1 teaspoon Kasoori methi
    • 1.5 teaspoon Red chilli powder
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • Salt
    • 2 teaspoon Oil Divided
    • 1 tablespoon Butter Divided
    • 3 tbsp Coriander leaves

    To temper

    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • 1 Cardamom
    • 1 Clove
    • 1 Inch Cinnamon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • To start with, heat a pan with oil, 1 teaspoon butter. Add garlic, ginger and green chillies.
    • Tip in cubed onion and give it a fry. Add cashews and saute until onion turn translucent.
    • Remove in a plate for cooling.
    • Meanwhile, keep paneer cubes in hot water until use.
    • Grind it along with cubed tomatoes to a smooth paste.
    • Heat oil and temper with Cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.
    • Add the ground onion tomato paste and give it a stir.
    • Tip in red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric, kasoori methi and mix well.
    • Continue frying the masala for  4-5 minutes in medium flame or until the raw smell goes off.
    • The onion tomato mixture should be thick, shiny and ooze oil. Add oil in between if needed.
    • After that, pour milk little at a time in low flame and stir well to mix. Repeat again until you add all the milk.
    • Adjust water (I added ¼ cup) and sprinkle required salt. Mix well.
    • Once it start to bubble again, add paneer drained from water.
    • Mix well and in goes the cooking cream.
    • Keep the flame in low and don't let the gravy boil vigorously. Just mix in low flame for 2 minutes and switch off the flame.
    • Garnish with 3 tablespoon of coriander leaves. Top it with remaining butter.

    Video

    Notes

    • I used kashmiri chilli powder (Mild spiced). Your gravy color depends on chilli powder and tomatoes you use majorly.
    • If you add water, then the gravy may not be orange and will be more red.
    • The cashews give a smooth and creamy texture, mild colored gravy and also prevents milk/ cream from curding.
    • Butter can be omitted and made with oil alone, but remember this is butter paneer masala 😉
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    InstagramMention @rakskitchen or tag #rakskitchen if you have tried this recipe.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 280g | Calories: 635kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 84g | Fat: 433g

    Step by step photos

    1. To start with, heat a pan with oil, 1 teaspoon butter. Add garlic, ginger and green chillies.

    first step

    2. Tip in cubed onion and give it a fry.

    step 2

    3. Add cashews and saute until onion turn translucent.

    translucent onion

    4. Remove in a plate for cooling.

    5. Meanwhile, keep paneer cubes in hot water until use.

    6. Place the cooled items in a blender.

    place in mixie

    6. Add cubed tomatoes (yes, raw!) on top of it.

    7. Grind to a smooth puree.

    Paste for paneer butter masala

    8. Heat oil and temper with Cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

    cardamom, clove, cinnamon

    9. Add the ground onion tomato masala and tip in red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric, kasoori methi and saute well.

    paneer butter masala preparation

    10. Continue frying the masala for  4-5 minutes in medium heat or until the raw smell goes off.

    add oil in between if needed

    11. The onion tomato masala should be thick, shiny and ooze oil. Add oil in between if needed.

    12. After that, pour milk little at a time in low heat and stir well. Repeat again until you add all the milk to masala.

    13. Adjust water (I added ¼ cup) and sprinkle required salt.

    14. Once it start to bubble again, add paneer drained from water.

    15. Mix well and in goes the cooking cream.

    16. Keep the heat in low and don't let the gravy boil vigorously. Just cook in low heat for 2 minutes and switch off the stove.

    Paneer butter masala ready

    17. Garnish with 3 tablespoon of coriander leaves. Top it with remaining butter.

    Butter

    Serve butter paneer masala hot with soft phulkas or any Indian flat bread best or with pulao.

    butter-paneer-masala
    Paneer butter masala

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      Lauki Kofta Recipe | Without deep frying

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Divya Kudua

      July 24, 2012 at 3:38 am

      Love PBM and can never have enough of it.Your recipe is quite simple-looks creamy and perfect!

      Reply
    2. Prathibha

      July 24, 2012 at 3:39 am

      I love PBM,nice n delicious curry wid any kind of bread..

      Reply
    3. Aarthi

      July 24, 2012 at 3:41 am

      yummy paneer butter masala..this is my favorite one..

      Reply
    4. Veena Theagarajan

      July 24, 2012 at 3:57 am

      Lovely picture looks very delicious..My son will love to have 🙂

      Great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com

      Reply
    5. jeyashrisuresh

      July 24, 2012 at 4:03 am

      Creamy and delicious gravy, and me too make a similar version of PBM. Will try adding pepper nexttime

      Reply
    6. Sangeetha Nambi

      July 24, 2012 at 4:04 am

      Perfect splendid paneer butter masala Raks...
      http;//recipe-excavator.blogspot.com

      Reply
    7. sowmya's creative saga

      July 24, 2012 at 4:33 am

      My favourite..looks delicious

      Reply
    8. Prathima Rao

      July 24, 2012 at 4:37 am

      an all time fav...Creamy, super delicious version Raks!!!
      Prathima Rao
      Prats Corner

      Reply
    9. Nagashree

      July 24, 2012 at 5:03 am

      Rich and delicious looking paneer butter masala!

      Reply
    10. lata raja

      July 24, 2012 at 5:16 am

      Very nice.....I think in most other recipes the quantity of tomato is more and the colour is brown to red. Here the cashew paste and the milk have given it a golden glow.

      Reply
    11. Paaka Shaale

      July 24, 2012 at 6:51 am

      Perfect paneer butter masala Looks delicious 🙂

      Reply
    12. Saraswathi Iyer

      July 24, 2012 at 7:53 am

      So tempting,clicks. Looks delicious.

      Reply
    13. Ms. analyzer

      July 24, 2012 at 9:35 am

      hi thr,

      Which brand of cooking cream you used here? and where u got that in singapore??

      Regards
      Snigdha

      Reply
      • Mallika

        March 23, 2022 at 2:53 am

        Please post old paneer butter masala recipe. I can't find it anywhere

        Reply
        • Raks Anand

          March 23, 2022 at 7:39 am

          It is same recipe only 🙂 Check my the notes in Variations

          Reply
    14. Sharmilee! :)

      July 24, 2012 at 10:14 am

      My all time fav...looks creamy and yummy perfect the way I want!! Adding pepper is new to me, will try that next time.

      Reply
    15. Hamaree Rasoi

      July 24, 2012 at 12:17 pm

      delicious and golden looking gravy, adding pepper is new step for me..

      Reply
    16. RAKS KITCHEN

      July 24, 2012 at 1:02 pm

      Snigdha, I used emborg brand cooking cream and its in Fair price where you find whipped cream and cheese.

      Reply
    17. Sanoli Ghosh

      July 24, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      Spendid paneer butter masala. Looks divine!

      inviting you to visit my space at your leisure,
      http://sanolisrecipies.blogspot.com

      Reply
    18. Chickoo

      July 24, 2012 at 7:39 pm

      You know what? I made this yesterday and it came out very nice, however, made a small change, for grinding, along with all the ingredients that you suggested,I also added a bread slice, (this is based on a suggestion from an old recipe I was a bit intrigued by it but never the less, tried it and the results were unbelievable! Love your blog, have tried many recipes, thank you for your great work!!

      Reply
    19. Anu

      July 24, 2012 at 8:51 pm

      Looks divine, I too make this way but I don't add pepper, next will try your version.

      Reply
    20. Vardhini

      July 25, 2012 at 3:23 am

      Inviting and delicious curry.

      Vardhini
      Event: Only Vegan
      Event: Zucchini

      Reply
    21. Premalatha Aravindhan

      July 25, 2012 at 4:06 am

      Nice version of PBM,Love it...have to give a try this way:)

      Reply
    22. RAKS KITCHEN

      July 25, 2012 at 9:39 am

      Thank you chikoo for the prompt feedback, nice tip by the way 🙂 Do u know for what it is ?

      Reply
    23. Nagalakshmi V

      July 25, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      it made me smile that you waited for the right bowl to take picture in 🙂

      Reply
    24. Spice up the Curry

      July 25, 2012 at 12:04 pm

      very creamy and delicious looking paneer butter masala. I am salivating here

      Reply
    25. Hema

      July 25, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      Very delicious, always a hit in parties..

      Reply
    26. Uj

      July 25, 2012 at 9:30 pm

      Yum.. I love PBM but have never tried making it at home 🙂 Looks delicious.. Bookmarked

      Reply
    27. suhaina aji

      July 26, 2012 at 12:50 am

      Wow Raji...after a long time I am coming to ur blog.. So many wonderful posts I have missed.. Should go through each and eevery...
      Paneer is my fav dish...wonderful clicks dear.

      Reply
    28. Reshmi Mahesh

      July 26, 2012 at 3:15 am

      PBM looks creamy and delicious...Love this..Beautiful clicks..

      Reply
    29. Priyas Feast

      July 26, 2012 at 3:37 am

      PBM luks delicious..never tried yellow curry.

      Reply
    30. Ramya's World

      July 28, 2012 at 11:41 am

      superb.will try it soon

      Reply
    31. Anonymous

      July 31, 2012 at 2:35 pm

      Your blog and recipes are so addictive 🙂 I check them regularly for my cooking 🙂 have rcently tried your naan recipe and savoured their softness!!:)

      Reply
    32. madhavi shenoy

      August 02, 2012 at 6:55 am

      It looks soo yummy!!!! delicious

      Reply
    33. Ayesha

      August 30, 2012 at 1:49 am

      hey raks i made u r recipe last saturday night with parantha...butter paneer is super duper hit in my home...thanks raks love u....:)

      Reply
    34. Shantala Prabhu

      September 13, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      Hi Raks
      Ur paneer butter masala is just awesome.i had guest at home was confused wat to prepare ur recipe helped me alot.thanks alot...........even i stay in Tampinese Singapore.

      Reply
    35. Rahul Dutta

      January 04, 2013 at 12:09 am

      Everybody gone crazy at my home..and for the first time i have cooked this..this is just kick ass..great recipe..Thank you..Raks..cheers..:)

      Reply
    36. Rahul Dutta

      January 04, 2013 at 12:09 am

      Everybody Gone crazy...after I prepared this..thnk you very much..cheers..:)

      Reply
    37. kavita pardeshi

      January 16, 2013 at 12:49 am

      i tried this recipe twice and i bate it steal the show. my family just loved it thanx raks u made my day. now i m excited about trying other recipes also. i'll defiantly let u know the success story of other recipes also. thank you once again.

      Reply
    38. aparna paibhale

      January 17, 2013 at 7:52 am

      Simply awesome !! Tried this recipe... Keep up the good work. Love all your recipes.

      Reply
    39. aparna paibhale

      January 17, 2013 at 7:53 am

      I tried this recipe ....simply awesome !! Got compliments from everyone ....

      Reply
    40. venkycsit

      January 20, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Raks I tried this in my room.it tastes good but can be better....... 🙂
      Thanks and keep Rocking...

      Reply
    41. shan's health cusine

      February 21, 2013 at 5:37 am

      Hi I'm not able to find cooking cream. Can I use heavy cream ? Also stores carry only nestle creama (lowfat) table cream. Will It work if I use this ? Does it give the creamy and rich restaurant touch ?planning to try for Friday dinner. Pls advice which cream to use. I need the creamy rich texture.

      Reply
    42. shan's health cusine

      February 21, 2013 at 5:37 am

      Hi I like to try this. I was shopping for all the ingredients, I live in USA, in Indian stores they sell only nestle table creama (lowfat version) will it be ok to use ? Does it give the creamy & rich texture as in restaurant. Or shall I use heavy cream ? Will it work ? We don't have cooking cream kind of item in USA. Pls advice. Planning to try for Friday fancy dinner along with ur butter naan.

      One more thing, in USA the butter won't be that much good. I personally feel ghee made out of land o lakes butter smells great. Can I use ghee to rub the naan on the top ?

      Reply
    43. RAKS KITCHEN

      February 21, 2013 at 5:43 am

      Nestle cream will be good, u can sure try. Yes you can use ghee to rub over naan as well.

      Reply
    44. aruna

      March 11, 2013 at 10:29 am

      Thanks for publishing this recipe..i have tried ur rava idli..naan..groundnut rice..and paneer butter masala..all were a big hit at home..Just that paneer butter masala was little spicy. Which can be reduced..pepper or chilli powder?

      Reply
    45. RAKS KITCHEN

      March 11, 2013 at 10:32 am

      Chilli powder.

      Reply
    46. Rahul Dube

      March 28, 2013 at 6:13 am

      5 stars
      Hey I managed to make a really mean Butter Paneer Masala today thanks to the recipe and it tastes really good with Mild Pulav cooked in coconut milk.....

      Reply
    47. Preeti

      June 23, 2013 at 10:00 am

      Can i omit cashew nuts

      Reply
    48. Raks anand

      June 23, 2013 at 10:14 am

      if you omit, then richness and thickness will be reduced. You may not get it creamy.

      Reply
    49. Anuratha Rejikumar

      October 10, 2013 at 12:11 am

      5 stars
      Hi raks..
      I tried ur PBM..n guess wat..my hubby loved it sooo much..all i did juz click 2ur blog..n made it...PBM combo wit peas pulov..:-)
      Now wen ever i make new itemz..my husband will ask..ur maam(raks) helpd u? YES...with smiles 🙂
      Thanks again..

      Reply
    50. Addytorials

      December 03, 2013 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      Hello Raks...

      I have tried quite a few of your recipes. This has been a super hit. I shall try and send some pics so you can be so proud of yourself for making our lives simpler. My husband Jay was soooo happy that i made panner butter at home.

      I always thought it would be a very complicated dish but it turned out to be quite the opposite. Your step by step pictures are helpful and gives me the nudge when required.

      Thank you
      Preethi

      Reply
    51. nikita kiran

      January 18, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      thanku raks... i made this today and it was a massive hit... keep em comming...

      Reply
    52. Ambika

      July 13, 2014 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Hi Raks, I tried it yesterday and it came out really delicious. reminded me of dhabas back in Punjab, Kudos

      Reply
    53. Ambika Manikantan

      January 01, 2015 at 7:53 am

      Very nice

      Reply
    54. Ambika Manikantan

      January 01, 2015 at 7:53 am

      Its very nice and easy method to do thank you

      Reply
    55. anna poorani

      January 03, 2015 at 9:59 pm

      Can kasthiri methi b skipped

      Reply
    56. Raks anand

      January 03, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      Flavor will be different

      Reply
    57. Unknown

      July 03, 2015 at 10:21 am

      Looks lovely.. You have mentioned that cream can be omitted and full milk can be added. At what stage should the full milk be added?? And is it ok to Mix only for few seconds even for unboiled milk??
      Thanks
      Devi

      Reply
    58. Raks anand

      July 03, 2015 at 10:30 am

      Step 4, you can add slowly and stir as you add milk (instead of water, add milk). You can use boiled milk at room temperature

      Reply
    59. Prashanthi Gupta

      September 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      I tried and it was yummy.

      Reply
    60. Jenny James

      November 30, 2015 at 3:52 am

      5 stars
      I've just started cooking and I follow all your recipes religiously. This panneer butter masala was a huge hit!

      Reply
    61. Sanja

      December 23, 2015 at 1:21 am

      Hi Raks,
      I had guests over home who eat non veg but my hubby is vegetarian. I tried paneer butter masala and used almost the same gravy combination (except for minor tweaks) for preparing butter chicken and it was finger lickin good. No one believed that I had prepared such good chicken curry at home and that too for the first time!. Super thanks to you!!

      Reply
    62. viveka vijayenthiran

      March 31, 2017 at 6:58 am

      Recipe sounds great☺but I have a doubt.i feel some milky taste in paneer when eating which I don't prefer.if there is any solution please suggest me.thankyou

      Reply
    63. viveka vijayenthiran

      April 20, 2017 at 1:39 am

      Thankyou for taking time to reply me.i will try.

      Reply
    64. Khadim Raza Khan

      July 18, 2017 at 9:40 am

      Looks delicious mam

      Reply
    65. Suraa Nando

      February 12, 2019 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      Just tried this recipe today and it is the best panner butter masala I ever made.

      Reply
    66. Raks Kitchen

      February 13, 2019 at 12:11 am

      Thanks

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rajeswari Vijayanand! I am the person behind Rakskitchen, sharing recipes with pictures & videos.

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