Paneer Butter Masala: A Creamy Delight for Your Taste Buds

Introduction: Paneer Butter Masala is a beloved vegetarian dish that encapsulates the creamy, tomato-based essence of North Indian cuisine. It's a perfect example of the rich, flavorful dishes that make Indian food a global favorite. In this blog post, we'll guide you through creating this iconic recipe at home. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Paneer Butter Masala will leave you craving for its creamy, buttery goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Paneer Butter Masala:

• 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato-Onion-Cashew Base:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan.
   • Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.
   • Toss in the cashew nuts, followed by the chopped tomatoes.
   • Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture cools.

2. Blend into a Smooth Puree:

   • Allow the mixture to cool, then blend it into a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Paneer:

   • Heat a pan and add some butter.
   • Sauté the paneer cubes until they are lightly browned.
   • Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Gravy:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more butter and cumin seeds.
   • Pour the tomato-onion-cashew puree into the pan.
   • Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
   • Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the gravy.

5. Simmer with Paneer:

   • Add the sautéed paneer cubes and mix them gently into the gravy.
   • Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Add Cream and Kasuri Methi:

   • Stir in fresh cream and kasuri methi.
   • Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion: Paneer Butter Masala is a dish that epitomizes the luscious and creamy side of Indian cuisine. Whether you serve it with naan, roti, or rice, this recipe promises to satisfy your culinary desires with its rich, tomato-based gravy and the soft, succulent paneer cubes. Enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of this classic North Indian delight, right in the comfort of your home.