Paneer Butter Masala Recipe at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy the creamy and aromatic Indian curry that's perfect for food lovers
Delicious Paneer Butter Masala Recipe | Creamy Indian Curry
Learn how to make the best Paneer Butter Masala Recipe at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy the creamy and aromatic Indian curry that's perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Made with paneer, butter, tomato sauce, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Try it today!
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About Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is a popular vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine. It is a creamy and aromatic curry made with soft cubes of paneer (a type of Indian cheese), butter, tomato sauce, and a blend of flavorful spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dish is typically served with rice or Indian bread, such as naan or roti. Paneer Butter Masala is a beloved dish for its rich and satisfying flavors and is a staple in many Indian households and restaurants.
Origin of Paneer Butter Masala
The exact origin of Paneer Butter Masala is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Northern India, particularly in the region of Punjab. Paneer, the main ingredient in the dish, is a popular ingredient in North Indian cuisine, and the use of butter and cream is also common in the region's cooking. Paneer Butter Masala may have evolved from the traditional Punjabi dish of Matar Paneer (paneer and peas curry) or Butter Chicken (chicken in a creamy tomato sauce). Over time, different variations of the dish have emerged, and now it is a popular and beloved vegetarian option in Indian cuisine.
How to Select Paneer for Paneer Butter Masala
Selecting the right paneer is crucial for making a delicious Paneer Butter Masala. Here are some tips on how to select paneer for this dish:
Look for fresh paneer: Fresh paneer has a soft and crumbly texture, which makes it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the masala. You can check the freshness of the paneer by looking at its texture and smell.
Check the expiration date: Paneer is a perishable item, and it has a short shelf life. Always check the expiration date on the package before buying it.
Check for softness: Paneer should be soft and crumbly to the touch. If it is hard or rubbery, it may not be fresh.
Buy from a reliable source: Buy paneer from a reliable source to ensure that it is of good quality and has been stored properly.
Opt for homemade paneer: If you have the time and resources, consider making paneer at home. Homemade paneer is fresh and has a superior taste compared to store-bought paneer.
By following these tips, you can select the right paneer for your Paneer Butter Masala and ensure that the dish turns out delicious.
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe
Here's an easy-to-follow recipe for Paneer Butter Masala:
- Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Total time: 40-55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes, salt, and all the spices (red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and garam masala) to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Let the mixture cool down a bit and then blend it in a mixer or food processor until it forms a smooth puree.
- Pour the puree back into the pan and add water. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cubed paneer to the pan and mix well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add heavy cream to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the paneer is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or Indian bread.
- Enjoy your homemade Paneer Butter Masala!
Nutritional Value of Paneer Butter Masala
Here is the approximate nutritional value of one serving (1 cup or 150g) of Paneer Butter Masala:
Calories: 350-400
Total Fat: 28-30g
Saturated Fat: 16-18g
Cholesterol: 70-80mg
Sodium: 700-800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 5-7g
Protein: 12-15g
Note: The nutritional value may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking method used. Additionally, these values are approximate and should be used as a general guideline only.
Some tips that can help you when making Paneer Butter Masala
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh paneer, tomatoes, and spices can make a huge difference in the taste of the dish. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to get the best results.
Fry the paneer: Fry the paneer cubes in a little bit of oil or ghee before adding them to the gravy. This will give them a nice golden color and a crispy texture.
Use a blender or food processor: Use a blender or food processor to blend the gravy mixture into a smooth paste. This will help create a velvety, creamy texture to the dish.
Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of spice according to your taste preference. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or green chilies. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of spice.
Add cream towards the end: Add the cream towards the end of cooking to prevent it from curdling. Cook the dish for a few minutes after adding the cream to let the flavors blend together.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves: Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving. This will add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious Paneer Butter Masala that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Interesting Facts and Stories of Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is also known as Paneer Makhani in some regions of India. The dish is believed to have originated in Punjab, a northern state in India, but it has now become popular all over the country and around the world.
The dish is often confused with another popular Indian dish, Butter Chicken, which also has a creamy tomato-based sauce. However, Paneer Butter Masala is a vegetarian dish made with paneer instead of chicken.
Paneer Butter Masala is a favorite dish among vegetarians and is often served in Indian restaurants around the world. It is also a popular dish to make at home during special occasions and festivals.
The dish is made with a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy that is flavored with various spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The addition of paneer, a type of Indian cheese, makes the dish protein-rich and adds a unique texture to the dish.
Some variations of the dish use cashew paste or almond paste to thicken the gravy and add richness to the dish. Some also use cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream to make the dish slightly healthier.
In recent years, there have been some innovative twists to the traditional Paneer Butter Masala recipe. Some chefs add ingredients like capsicum, mushrooms, or peas to give the dish a different flavor and texture.
These are some interesting facts and stories about Paneer Butter Masala that showcase its popularity and versatility.
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