Creamy Paneer Butter Masala: Perfect Indian Comfort Food
30
min
268
Calories
22g
Fats
13g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Savor the richness of Creamy Paneer Butter Masala, an iconic Indian dish that combines soft cheese cubes in a velvety tomato-based sauce, seasoned to perfection. This vegetarian delight is not only gluten-free but packed with flavors that'll make your heart warm.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the needed ingredients for your Creamy Paneer Butter Masala. Make sure to cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes, finely chop onions, and measure out your spices for easy cooking. Prepping ahead can save you time and make the cooking process smoother. This initial step ensures that once you start, you can focus on the flavors and enjoy the cooking without any hassle.
Pro Tip: Cutting the paneer into cubes and chilling them before cooking helps retain their shape.
Step 2: Cook the base
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell fades away. Incorporating these ingredients at the right time layers the flavors beautifully, creating a savory foundation for the masala.
Pro Tip: Cooking onions until golden adds a subtle sweetness to the masala.
Step 3: Simmer the tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan along with turmeric, red chili powder, and ground coriander. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat until the tomatoes are completely soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This process intensifies the taste of the tomatoes, enriching the masala with a deep, tangy flavor that's crucial for the final dish.
Pro Tip: Cover the pan to trap steam and cook the tomatoes faster.
Step 4: Blend and combine
Once the tomato mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat, discard the bay leaf, and allow it to cool. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended sauce to the pan, add water to adjust the consistency, and bring it to a gentle boil. Follow this by adding the paneer cubes, letting them absorb the flavors of the masala on low heat. This step is where the magic happens, as the paneer soaks up the savory, spicy sauce, becoming incredibly flavorful.
Pro Tip: Soaking the paneer in warm salt water for 20 minutes before cooking makes it softer.
Step 5: Final touches
Lastly, stir in the heavy cream and dried fenugreek leaves, simmering everything together for a few minutes until the curry reaches a creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness to the paneer butter masala, making it irresistibly creamy with a hint of sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Pro Tip: Crush the fenugreek leaves in your palms before adding to release more flavor.
