Creamy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe, Restaurant-Style at Home

Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, cherished for its rich, creamy texture and bold, buttery flavor. Often served in restaurants as a staple vegetarian delight, this dish blends sweet tomatoes, fragrant spices, and soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) into a luxurious gravy. While it may seem like a complicated dish reserved for special occasions, making Paneer Butter Masala at home is surprisingly simple and highly rewarding. With the right blend of ingredients and a few cooking tricks, you can recreate that signature restaurant flavor in your own kitchen.

To begin, gather your core ingredients: 250 grams of paneer, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of oil, one finely chopped onion, two pureed tomatoes, and a tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. For the spices, you’ll need a teaspoon of garam masala, half a teaspoon each of turmeric and red chili powder, and salt to taste. Finally, half a cup of fresh cream adds the richness, while a few sprigs of fresh coriander are perfect for garnishing. The use of both butter and oil helps prevent burning while enhancing the dish’s signature smooth finish.

Start by heating the butter and oil together in a non-stick pan. Sauté the chopped onion on medium heat until golden brown, then add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears. Stir in the tomato puree and cook the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, letting the masala reduce and deepen in color. Add all the dry spices and salt, stirring well to combine. At this stage, the oil will start to separate from the mixture—a clear sign your base is ready. Next, stir in the cream and allow it to gently bubble for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Add the paneer cubes gently into the simmering gravy and coat them well. Let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat to allow the paneer to absorb the creamy spices without overcooking. If you like a thinner gravy, you can add a splash of warm water or milk at this point. Once the curry is well blended and aromatic, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander. For added luxury, you can top with a small drizzle of cream or a knob of butter before serving.

Paneer Butter Masala pairs beautifully with buttery naan, jeera rice, roti, or even plain steamed basmati rice. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners or festive celebrations. Whether you’re serving guests or simply craving a rich and hearty vegetarian meal, this classic recipe brings the flavor of your favorite Indian restaurant right into your home kitchen.