Butter Paneer Masala
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb paneer cubed in byte size
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 green chili
- 1/4 inch ginger
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup yogurt, whipped curd, dahi
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/8 tsp asafetida hing
- 1 tsp cumin seeds jeera
- 1 tbsp coriander powder dhania
- 1/2 tsp turmeric haldi
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 bay leaves tajpat
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp sugar, optional
- 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped hara dhania
Instructions
- Deep-fry the paneer on low-medium heat until the paneer has a little golden- brown color. Set aside.
- Blend tomatoes, green chilly and ginger to make a puree.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready. Add hing and cumin seeds.
- After the cumin seeds crack, add the tomato puree, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder and bay leaves. Cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat. Tomato mixture will start to leave the oil and will reduce to about half in quantity.
- Add the whipped yogurt into the gravy. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes on medium heat.
- To thicken the gravy, dissolve the cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of water and add to the gravy.
- Add the green peas and paneer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the peas are tender.
- Add the garam masala and cilantro. Add a little sugar if the gravy is sour.
Notes
How to Make Butter Paneer at Home – Manjula’s Kitchen
Butter Paneer Masala, also known as Paneer Butter Masala, is a timeless Gluten vegetable curry-based North Indian dish celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavors. In this Butter Paneer Recipe, we will delve into the intricacies of crafting the perfect Butter Paneer Masala, exploring various recipes, techniques, and customizable options. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for butter paneer masala will empower you to master the art of creating this culinary masterpiece.
Understanding Paneer Butter Masala:
Butter Paneer Masala is a vegetarian dish that centers around paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, immersed in a luscious tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream. The dish seamlessly blends spices, herbs, and dairy to create a harmonious symphony of flavors. Often enjoyed with naan or rice, Butter Paneer Masala is a favorite among Indian food enthusiasts worldwide.
Recipe: How to Make Butter Masala Paneer:
Step 1: Deep-fry the Paneer:
To initiate the culinary journey, the paneer cubes are deep-fried to perfection. This step is crucial as it imparts a golden-brown color and a slight crispiness to the paneer, enhancing its overall texture.
Step 2: Prepare Tomato Puree
The heart of the paneer masala recipe lies in the vibrant tomato puree. A blend of ripe tomatoes, green chilies, and ginger creates a smooth, flavorful base that serves as the canvas for the ensuing layers of spices and aromatics.
Step 3: Tempering the Gravy
In a hot saucepan, a tempering process begins with the crackling of cumin seeds and the aromatic release of hing (asafoetida). The tomato puree, along with coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and bay leaves, is added to create a robust foundation for the Paneer Butter Masala.
Step 4: Introduce Yogurt
Whipped yogurt is then introduced into the gravy, imparting a creamy and tangy dimension to the dish. Stirring occasionally allows the yogurt to amalgamate seamlessly, contributing to the overall richness of the masala.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
To achieve the desired consistency, a cornstarch-water mixture is incorporated into the gravy. This step ensures a velvety and well-coated texture, elevating the dining experience.
Step 6: Add Paneer and Green Peas
The deep-fried paneer cubes, now infused with a golden hue, and vibrant green peas are added to the simmering gravy. This step allows the paneer to absorb the flavors of the aromatic sauce while the green peas contribute a sweet and crisp element.
Step 7: Seasoning and Final Touches
The final touches involve sprinkling garam masala and fresh cilantro into the mixture, providing a burst of aromatic complexity. A hint of sugar may be added to balance the flavors if the gravy tends to lean towards the tangy side.
Variations and Customizations:
Richness Enhancement: For an even more indulgent flavor, consider substituting yogurt with heavy cream. This variation introduces a luxurious creaminess that elevates the dish to a new level of decadence.
Flavorful Twist with Methi Leaves: To add a unique and slightly bitter note, incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried methi leaves (fenugreek leaves) towards the end of the cooking process. This variation introduces a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the Butter Paneer Masala.
Creamy Texture with Cashews: For those seeking an extra creamy consistency, include 1 tablespoon of yogurt powder or crushed cashews. This addition not only enhances the creaminess but also imparts a subtle nutty undertone to the dish.
Versatility in Vegetable Combinations: The Butter Paneer Masala gravy is a versatile canvas that welcomes a variety of vegetables. Experiment with different combinations to suit your preferences and create a personalized version of this classic dish.
In the end, you have learned how to make butter masala paneer which involves a meticulous balance of spices, textures, and flavors. This comprehensive how-to-make butter paneer guide has provided a detailed walkthrough of the paneer masala recipe, from deep-frying the paneer to infusing the gravy with aromatic spices.
Armed with this knowledge, you are now equipped to embark on this recipe for butter paneer masala in creating a perfect Butter Paneer Masala that is uniquely yours. So, don your apron, gather the ingredients, and let the aroma of this exquisite dish fill your kitchen.
If you liked this recipe you must also try Kadai Paneer, Malai Kofta, Palak Paneer
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