Get ready to dive into the world of Butter Paneer, also known as Paneer Makhani! This creamy, rich dish is a favorite in many homes. In this flavorful cooking guide, I’ll walk you through every step—from gathering ingredients to perfecting your technique. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, you’ll find tips to enhance your Butter Paneer. Let’s make this delicious dish together and impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make Butter Paneer, gather these fresh ingredients:
– 250g paneer, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 ripe tomatoes, pureed until smooth
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
– 100ml heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The paneer gives a soft texture. Butter and cream create a rich, smooth sauce. The spices add warmth and depth. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Cooking Process
Preparing the base sauce
Start with a large non-stick pan. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat them on medium until hot. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This brings out their flavor.
Cooking the onions and tomatoes
Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown. This takes about 7-10 minutes. Then, add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to remove the raw smell. Now, pour in 2 ripe tomatoes, pureed until smooth. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes. Stir until it thickens and the oil separates.
Incorporating spices and paneer
Once your sauce is ready, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix well to spread the spices. Gently fold in 250g of cubed paneer, ensuring each piece gets coated. Slowly pour in 100ml of heavy cream while stirring. Let the dish simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the paneer absorb all those rich flavors. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi, crumbled, and salt to taste. Stir gently one last time before removing it from heat.
You can find the full recipe [here](#).
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Authentic Flavor
To get the best taste in butter paneer, adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add extra red chili powder. For a milder dish, reduce it. Your taste buds guide the spice level.
Balancing creaminess with acidity is key. The heavy cream brings richness, but ripe tomatoes add a tangy kick. This balance makes each bite delightful. If it feels too creamy, add a splash of lemon juice for a bright contrast.
Simmering is very important for flavor. After adding the heavy cream, let the dish cook for five more minutes. This allows the paneer to soak up the spices. The longer you simmer, the better the taste becomes.
For a complete experience, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can change Butter Paneer in many ways. This makes it fun to cook and taste new flavors.
– Using tofu for a vegan version: Tofu works great if you want a vegan dish. It soaks up the sauce and gives a nice texture. Cut the tofu into cubes like paneer. Cook it gently to avoid breaking. Use the same cooking steps as for paneer.
– Incorporating different vegetables: You can add veggies for more color and taste. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach are great choices. Add them after the onions are soft. This keeps them bright and fresh.
– Substituting spices for unique twists: Change up the spices to create new flavors. Try adding curry powder for a different kick. A bit of smoked paprika can give a nice depth. Mix and match spices to find what you love.
These variations can transform your Butter Paneer into something new every time you cook. Explore and enjoy! For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
How to Store Butter Paneer
Storing Butter Paneer is easy and helps keep it fresh.
– Storing in the refrigerator: Place leftover Butter Paneer in an airtight container. It stays good for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture.
– Freezing tips for longer storage: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about one month. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
– Reheating instructions: To warm up Butter Paneer, use a non-stick pan. Heat it gently on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or cream if it feels too thick while reheating.
Do you want to try making this dish? Check out the Full Recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
FAQs
Common Questions About Butter Paneer
Can I make Butter Paneer in advance?
Yes, you can make Butter Paneer ahead of time. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What can I serve with Butter Paneer?
Butter Paneer pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with:
– Warm naan or roti
– Steamed basmati rice
– Jeera rice for added flavor
– A fresh salad for crunch
These options balance the rich flavors of the dish.
Is Butter Paneer spicy?
Butter Paneer is not very spicy. It has a mild heat. You can adjust the spice level easily. Add less red chili powder for a milder version. The creamy sauce helps tone down the heat.
How can I make Butter Paneer less rich?
To make Butter Paneer lighter, you can:
– Use less butter and cream
– Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
– Add more tomato puree for a thinner sauce
These changes will help reduce the richness while keeping the flavor. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Butter Paneer Delight.
This blog post covered everything you need to make Butter Paneer. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared ways to change the dish and store it well. Remember, balance flavors and have fun experimenting with your meal. Whether you choose paneer or tofu, you can create a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious Butter Paneer you make!
![To make Butter Paneer, gather these fresh ingredients: - 250g paneer, cut into bite-sized cubes - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 ripe tomatoes, pureed until smooth - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste - 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon red chili powder - ½ teaspoon turmeric powder - 100ml heavy cream - 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) - Salt, to taste - Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The paneer gives a soft texture. Butter and cream create a rich, smooth sauce. The spices add warmth and depth. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe]. Enjoy cooking! Preparing the base sauce Start with a large non-stick pan. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat them on medium until hot. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This brings out their flavor. Cooking the onions and tomatoes Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown. This takes about 7-10 minutes. Then, add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to remove the raw smell. Now, pour in 2 ripe tomatoes, pureed until smooth. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes. Stir until it thickens and the oil separates. Incorporating spices and paneer Once your sauce is ready, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix well to spread the spices. Gently fold in 250g of cubed paneer, ensuring each piece gets coated. Slowly pour in 100ml of heavy cream while stirring. Let the dish simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the paneer absorb all those rich flavors. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi, crumbled, and salt to taste. Stir gently one last time before removing it from heat. You can find the full recipe [here](#). To get the best taste in butter paneer, adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add extra red chili powder. For a milder dish, reduce it. Your taste buds guide the spice level. Balancing creaminess with acidity is key. The heavy cream brings richness, but ripe tomatoes add a tangy kick. This balance makes each bite delightful. If it feels too creamy, add a splash of lemon juice for a bright contrast. Simmering is very important for flavor. After adding the heavy cream, let the dish cook for five more minutes. This allows the paneer to soak up the spices. The longer you simmer, the better the taste becomes. For a complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change Butter Paneer in many ways. This makes it fun to cook and taste new flavors. - Using tofu for a vegan version: Tofu works great if you want a vegan dish. It soaks up the sauce and gives a nice texture. Cut the tofu into cubes like paneer. Cook it gently to avoid breaking. Use the same cooking steps as for paneer. - Incorporating different vegetables: You can add veggies for more color and taste. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach are great choices. Add them after the onions are soft. This keeps them bright and fresh. - Substituting spices for unique twists: Change up the spices to create new flavors. Try adding curry powder for a different kick. A bit of smoked paprika can give a nice depth. Mix and match spices to find what you love. These variations can transform your Butter Paneer into something new every time you cook. Explore and enjoy! For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. Storing Butter Paneer is easy and helps keep it fresh. - Storing in the refrigerator: Place leftover Butter Paneer in an airtight container. It stays good for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture. - Freezing tips for longer storage: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about one month. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Reheating instructions: To warm up Butter Paneer, use a non-stick pan. Heat it gently on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or cream if it feels too thick while reheating. Do you want to try making this dish? Check out the Full Recipe! Enjoy your cooking! Can I make Butter Paneer in advance? Yes, you can make Butter Paneer ahead of time. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving. What can I serve with Butter Paneer? Butter Paneer pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with: - Warm naan or roti - Steamed basmati rice - Jeera rice for added flavor - A fresh salad for crunch These options balance the rich flavors of the dish. Is Butter Paneer spicy? Butter Paneer is not very spicy. It has a mild heat. You can adjust the spice level easily. Add less red chili powder for a milder version. The creamy sauce helps tone down the heat. How can I make Butter Paneer less rich? To make Butter Paneer lighter, you can: - Use less butter and cream - Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream - Add more tomato puree for a thinner sauce These changes will help reduce the richness while keeping the flavor. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Butter Paneer Delight. This blog post covered everything you need to make Butter Paneer. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared ways to change the dish and store it well. Remember, balance flavors and have fun experimenting with your meal. Whether you choose paneer or tofu, you can create a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious Butter Paneer you make!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/728edb3d-2c15-4734-93cf-89e9f9cdf0de-250x250.webp)