Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

Introduction

Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most loved North Indian curries, known for its luxuriously creamy texture, mildly sweet taste, and rich tomato-cashew gravy. This dish is a staple on restaurant menus and is often paired with naan, roti, jeera rice, or plain basmati rice.

What makes restaurant-style paneer butter masala special is the silky smooth gravy made from tomatoes and cashews, finished with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. Despite its rich taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home when you follow the right technique.

This recipe shows you how to make authentic, dhaba-style paneer butter masala with simple ingredients, balanced spices, and tips to get that perfect restaurant flavor every time.

Ingredients

For the Curry Base

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 12–15 cashew nuts
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies (optional)

Spices

• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste

Other Ingredients

• 200 g paneer, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup fresh cream
• ½ to 1 cup water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the gravy base:
   Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and cashews. Sauté until everything becomes soft and aromatic. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely.
2. Blend:
   Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and grind into a smooth, creamy paste without adding much water.
3. Cook the masala:
   Heat remaining butter in the same pan. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the blended paste and cook on medium flame for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens and oil starts to separate.
4. Add spices:
   Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add paneer & cream:
   Add paneer cubes, fresh cream, and required water. Simmer for 5 minutes on low flame.
6. Finish:
   Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes to keep them soft.
• Always blend the gravy base smoothly for restaurant-style texture.
• Add ½ tsp sugar or honey if tomatoes are too tangy.
• For smoky flavor, add a small piece of charcoal using the dhungar method.
• Replace cream with milk for a lighter version.
• For vegan version, use tofu and coconut cream.

Health Benefits

• Paneer: Excellent source of protein and calcium.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Cashews: Provide healthy fats and minerals.
• Spices: Aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Calcium: 20% RDA

Who Should Eat & Who Should Avoid

Good for:

• Vegetarians needing high protein meals
• Children and adults for calcium intake
• People looking for filling, nutritious meals

Avoid or limit if:

• You are on a strict weight-loss diet
• You have lactose intolerance
• You are advised to avoid high-fat foods

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on low flame with a splash of water or milk.
• Do not freeze, as paneer may turn rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make paneer butter masala without cream?

Yes, you can use full-fat milk or cashew paste as a substitute.

Why does my paneer turn hard?

Overcooking paneer makes it rubbery. Always simmer briefly.

Can I use store-bought paneer?

Yes, but soak it in warm water before adding to the curry.

Conclusion

This Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala recipe brings the authentic flavors of North Indian cuisine straight to your home. Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners and special occasions.

Serve it with naan, roti, or rice and enjoy a classic restaurant experience without stepping out!