Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most loved North Indian restaurant-style vegetarian curries. This dish features soft paneer cubes cooked in a rich tomato, butter, and cream-based gravy with aromatic spices. The result is a mildly sweet, creamy, and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
The dish is also known as Paneer Makhani, and it originated in Delhi’s famous restaurant kitchens in the 1950s, where chefs created creamy tomato-based gravies using butter and spices.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-style paneer butter masala at home with simple ingredients and pro cooking tips.
📌 Quick Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Restaurant Style Paneer Butter Masala |
| Cuisine | North Indian / Punjabi |
| Course | Main Course |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 3–4 people |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
✨ About Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is famous for its smooth and creamy gravy made from tomatoes, butter, cashews, cream, and aromatic Indian spices. The gravy has a balanced flavor — slightly sweet, mildly spicy, and very rich.
Many Indian restaurants use cashew paste and butter to make the gravy thick and silky. The dish is usually garnished with cream and coriander leaves and served hot with Indian breads.
🛒 Ingredients List
For Paneer Butter Masala Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cubed) | 250 grams |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Cashews | 12–15 |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Fresh cream | ½ cup |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garam masala | ½ teaspoon |
| Kasuri methi (dry fenugreek) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Fresh coriander | For garnish |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1 – Prepare the Cashew Paste
Soak the cashews in warm water for 10 minutes and blend them into a smooth paste.
Step 2 – Cook the Base Masala
Heat butter and oil in a pan.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute.
Step 3 – Add Tomato Gravy
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts separating from the sides.
Add spices:
- Kashmiri red chilli powder
- turmeric powder
- salt
Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Step 4 – Blend the Gravy
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Blend it into a smooth paste for restaurant-style silky gravy.
Step 5 – Cook the Final Curry
Return the gravy to the pan.
Add:
- cashew paste
- little water
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add paneer cubes and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 6 – Final Flavoring
Add:
- fresh cream
- garam masala
- kasuri methi
- a pinch of sugar
Mix gently and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 7 – Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with:
- fresh cream drizzle
- coriander leaves
Serve hot with naan, roti, butter kulcha, or jeera rice.
💡 Pro Cooking Tips
✔ Use fresh paneer for soft texture.
✔ Add Kashmiri red chilli powder for bright color without too much spice.
✔ Blend the gravy to get restaurant-style smooth curry.
✔ Adding cashew paste makes the gravy rich and creamy.
✔ Slight sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Paneer Butter Masala tastes amazing with:
- Butter Naan
- Garlic Naan
- Tandoori Roti
- Jeera Rice
- Veg Pulao
- Lachha Paratha
You can also serve it with onion salad, lemon wedges, and green chutney.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Approx)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340–420 kcal |
| Protein | 10–15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11–17 g |
| Fat | 27–33 g |
| Calcium | High |
Paneer butter masala is rich in protein from paneer but also high in fat due to butter and cream.
⭐ Watch Full Recipe Video
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1️⃣ Can I make Paneer Butter Masala without cream?
Yes. You can replace cream with milk or cashew paste for a lighter version.
2️⃣ Why does restaurant Paneer Butter Masala taste sweeter?
Restaurants add butter, cream, and sometimes a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity.
3️⃣ Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes. Replace paneer with tofu and cream with cashew cream or coconut milk.
4️⃣ How long can Paneer Butter Masala be stored?
You can store it in the refrigerator for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Restaurant Style Paneer Butter Masala is a perfect comfort food for Indian cuisine lovers. The creamy gravy, soft paneer cubes, and aromatic spices make this dish a favorite in homes and restaurants alike.
With this easy step-by-step recipe, you can prepare authentic restaurant-style paneer butter masala at home in just 40 minutes and impress your family or guests.
Serve it with warm naan and enjoy the rich flavors of classic Indian vegetarian cooking.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Related Posts
