Paneer butter masala recipe creates creamy tomato-based curry with soft cottage cheese cubes. This low-fat version uses fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods. Restaurant-style preparation includes making smooth tomato puree, adding aromatic spices, and finishing with cream for rich, delicious taste.
Table of Contents
- Complete Ingredients List
- Kitchen Tools Required
- Tomato Base Preparation
- Low-Fat Paneer Cooking
- Final Gravy Making
- Serving and Storage
- Nutritional Information
Complete Ingredients List
This easy paneer butter masala recipe needs simple ingredients available in every kitchen. पनीर बटर मसाला बनाना बहुत आसान है।
Table 1: Main Ingredients with Measurements
| Ingredient (सामग्री) | Quantity (मात्रा) | Preparation (तैयारी) |
|---|---|---|
| Low-fat paneer (पनीर) | 300 grams | Cut in 1-inch cubes |
| Ripe tomatoes (टमाटर) | 6 large (600g) | Roughly chopped |
| Onion (प्याज़) | 2 medium (200g) | Finely chopped |
| Cashew nuts (काजू) | 15-20 pieces | Soaked in warm water |
| Fresh cream (क्रीम) | 1/2 cup (120ml) | Room temperature |
| Butter (मक्खन) | 3 tablespoons | Unsalted preferred |
| Ginger (अदरक) | 1-inch piece | Made into paste |
| Garlic (लहसुन) | 6 cloves | Made into paste |
| Green chili (हरी मिर्च) | 2 pieces | Slit lengthwise |
According to Wikipedia’s Indian cuisine page, paneer butter masala recipe originated in North India and became popular worldwide. This dish combines simple ingredients to create amazing flavors.
Table 2: Spices and Seasonings
| Spice (मसाला) | Amount (मात्रा) | Purpose (उद्देश्य) |
|---|---|---|
| Red chili powder (लाल मिर्च) | 1 teaspoon | For color and mild heat |
| Garam masala (गरम मसाला) | 1 teaspoon | For aromatic flavor |
| Turmeric powder (हल्दी) | 1/2 teaspoon | For golden color |
| Coriander powder (धनिया) | 1 teaspoon | For earthy taste |
| Kasuri methi (कसूरी मेथी) | 1 tablespoon | For restaurant flavor |
| Sugar (चीनी) | 1 teaspoon | To balance acidity |
| Salt (नमक) | To taste | For overall taste |
| Black pepper (काली मिर्च) | 1/4 teaspoon | For subtle heat |
Kitchen Tools Required
Simple tools make this paneer butter masala recipe very easy to prepare. सही बर्तन से खाना बनाना आसान हो जाता है।
Essential Utensils (ज़रूरी बर्तन):
- Heavy-bottom pan or kadai (भारी तले वाली कड़ाही)
- Mixer grinder for puree (मिक्सर ग्राइंडर)
- Wooden spoon for stirring (लकड़ी का चम्मच)
- Strainer for smooth gravy (छलनी)
- Cutting board and knife (कटिंग बोर्ड और चाकू)
- Measuring cups and spoons (नापने के कप और चम्मच)
Having proper tools ensures your paneer butter masala recipe turns out perfect every time. Good quality pan prevents burning and helps cook evenly.
Tomato Base Preparation
Creating smooth tomato base is most important for paneer butter masala recipe. टमाटर की ग्रेवी सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है।
Step 1: Blanching Tomatoes (टमाटर उबालना) – 10 minutes
Take a big pot and add 4 cups water. Heat water until it starts boiling. Make X-shaped cuts on bottom of each tomato. This helps remove skin easily.
Put all tomatoes in boiling water. Cook for exactly 3 minutes. Turn off heat. Remove tomatoes using spoon and put in cold water immediately. After 2 minutes, peel off skin easily.
Step 2: Making Puree (प्यूरी बनाना) – 5 minutes
Cut blanched tomatoes into four pieces. Remove any hard parts. Put tomato pieces in mixer grinder. Add soaked cashew nuts without water.
Grind everything until very smooth. No lumps should remain. This smooth puree makes restaurant-style paneer butter masala recipe gravy silky and delicious.
According to Wikipedia’s tomato processing information, blanching tomatoes removes skin easily and improves texture for smooth sauces.
Step 3: Straining Puree (छानना) – 3 minutes
Pour ground mixture through fine strainer. Press with spoon to extract all liquid. Remove seeds and any remaining pieces. Keep this smooth puree aside for later use.
Low-Fat Paneer Cooking
Preparing paneer correctly makes huge difference in paneer butter masala recipe. पनीर की तैयारी बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।
Step 1: Soaking Paneer (पनीर भिगोना) – 10 minutes
Cut 300 grams low-fat paneer into 1-inch square pieces. Take bowl with 2 cups warm water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to water.
Put paneer pieces in salt water. Let them soak for 10 minutes. This makes paneer soft and prevents breaking during cooking. Remove gently and keep on plate.
Step 2: Light Frying (हल्का तलना) – 5 minutes
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in non-stick pan. Keep flame on medium heat. Add paneer pieces carefully. Don’t overcrowd pan.
Cook each side for 30 seconds until light golden. Don’t make too brown. Remove paneer and keep aside. This step adds nice texture to paneer butter masala recipe.
Final Gravy Making
Now we combine everything for delicious paneer butter masala recipe. अब सब कुछ मिलाकर स्वादिष्ट ग्रेवी बनाते हैं।
Step 1: Starting Base (बेस तैयार करना) – 8 minutes
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in heavy-bottom pan. Add chopped onions when butter melts. Cook on medium flame stirring continuously.
Cook onions until they become light golden. Takes about 5 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 2 more minutes until raw smell goes away.
Step 2: Adding Spices (मसाले डालना) – 3 minutes
Add all dry spices – red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder. Reduce flame to low. Stir quickly for 30 seconds.
Add 2 tablespoons water immediately. This prevents spices from burning. Cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Spices should smell aromatic now.
According to Wikipedia’s article on Indian spices, cooking spices in fat releases their essential oils and enhances flavor in paneer butter masala recipe.
Step 3: Adding Tomato Puree (टमाटर प्यूरी डालना) – 15 minutes
Pour strained tomato-cashew puree into pan. Mix well with spices. Increase flame to medium-high. Let mixture come to boil.
Once boiling starts, reduce flame to medium. Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Stir every 2-3 minutes. Gravy will become thick and oil will separate at sides.
Step 4: Final Touches (अंतिम तैयारी) – 5 minutes
Add 1 cup water to adjust consistency. Mix in sugar and salt. Add garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Stir everything well.
Pour fresh cream slowly while stirring. Add fried paneer pieces gently. Mix carefully without breaking paneer. Cook for 3 minutes on low flame.
Serving and Storage
Proper serving makes paneer butter masala recipe more enjoyable. सही तरीके से परोसना महत्वपूर्ण है।
Garnishing Ideas (सजावट):
- Swirl of fresh cream on top (ऊपर क्रीम की डिज़ाइन)
- Few kasuri methi leaves (कसूरी मेथी के पत्ते)
- Small butter cube in center (बीच में मक्खन)
- Chopped coriander leaves (कटा हरा धनिया)
Best Combinations (साथ में परोसें):
- Hot butter naan or roti (गरम नान या रोटी)
- Jeera rice or plain rice (जीरा राइस या सादा चावल)
- Onion salad with lemon (प्याज़ का सलाद)
- Cool cucumber raita (ठंडा खीरे का रायता)
Storage Tips (स्टोर करने के तरीके):
Store leftover paneer butter masala recipe in airtight container. Keeps fresh in refrigerator for 2-3 days. For reheating, add little water and warm on low flame.
Don’t microwave as paneer becomes hard. Always reheat gently on stove. Add fresh cream only while serving for best taste.
Nutritional Information
This low-fat paneer butter masala recipe provides balanced nutrition. यह कम वसा वाली रेसिपी पौष्टिक है।
Per Serving (One Cup):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 19 grams (using low-fat paneer)
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Calcium: 250mg
Using low-fat paneer reduces calories while maintaining protein content. This makes paneer butter masala recipe healthier without compromising taste.
Health Benefits (स्वास्थ्य लाभ):
- High protein from cottage cheese helps muscle building
- Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants
- Cashews give healthy fats and minerals
- Spices aid digestion and boost immunity
