. To start, you need to cube the paneer. Cut it into small, even squares. This helps it cook evenly. For a firmer texture, pan-fry the cubes in a non-stick pan. Heat the pan on medium. Add a little oil. Cook the paneer until it turns golden brown on all sides. This step adds flavor and makes it crispy. Once done, set the paneer aside. Now, let’s prepare the base. In the same pan, add two tablespoons of butter and one tablespoon of oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once the butter melts, drop in one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few moments. You will smell the rich aroma. This is the base for your sauce. Next, we sauté the onions. Add one finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown. This takes about five minutes. Then, add one tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Stir it for one minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, pour in the pureed tomatoes. Use two tomatoes for this. Add one teaspoon of red chili powder and salt to taste. Cook this mixture until the oil separates from the tomatoes. This will take about five to seven minutes. It's time to mix in the cream and spices. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream. Add one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of garam masala. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for three to five minutes. The sauce will thicken and become creamy. Finally, gently fold in the fried paneer cubes. Add one tablespoon of kasuri methi for extra flavor. Cook for another two to three minutes. This ensures the paneer is heated through and coated in sauce. Your delicious Butter Paneer (Paneer Makhani) is now ready to enjoy! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make Butter Paneer really tasty, you can play with spice levels. If you like it spicy, add more red chili powder. If you prefer it mild, cut back on the chili. Using fresh spices is key for a better taste. Fresh spices give a burst of flavor. Dried spices are good too, but they often lose some of their punch. A creamy sauce is what makes this dish special. To get that creaminess, use heavy cream as shown in the full recipe. Stir it in gently to avoid breaking the cream. Be careful not to overcook the paneer. Overcooked paneer can turn rubbery. Just fold the paneer into the sauce and warm it for a few minutes. Garnishing your Butter Paneer can elevate its look. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also use a drizzle of cream on top for a fancy touch. Serve it with naan or steamed rice for a complete meal. The warm bread or rice soaks up the sauce perfectly, making every bite a delight. {{image_2}} You can make Butter Paneer even more exciting by adding vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, peas, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrition to your dish. For a creamy vegan version, swap the heavy cream for cashew cream or coconut milk. This keeps the richness while making it plant-based. Butter Paneer varies across India. Some regions use more spices, while others keep it simple. In Punjab, you may find a richer, creamier sauce. Modern cooks might experiment with new flavors or cooking methods. Each version brings a unique taste to your table. Why not try Butter Paneer pasta? Mix your buttery sauce with cooked pasta for a fun twist. You can also make Butter Paneer pizza. Spread the sauce on pizza dough, top with paneer, and bake until golden. These dishes let you enjoy Butter Paneer in new ways. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store Butter Paneer (Paneer Makhani) properly, follow these steps: - Cool it down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. - Choose containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Keep it separate: If serving with rice or naan, store them separately. Reheating Butter Paneer can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right: - Avoid losing creaminess: Reheat on low heat to maintain the sauce's texture. - Microwaving tips: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Stovetop method: Warm it gently in a pan. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much. Freezing Paneer Makhani is possible, but it requires care: - Prepare for freezing: Cool the dish completely before freezing. - Use freezer-safe containers: Ensure they are airtight to prevent freezer burn. - Texture tips: To avoid texture loss, consider freezing the sauce and paneer separately. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. For the full recipe, check my earlier sections! Butter Paneer, or Paneer Makhani, is a rich Indian dish. It features soft paneer in a creamy tomato sauce. The dish has roots in North India and is loved worldwide. This recipe mixes butter, cream, and spices for a delightful taste. The history of Paneer Makhani dates back to the 1950s. It originated in Delhi at the Moti Mahal restaurant. The chefs aimed to create a dish for everyone to enjoy. Yes, you can prepare Butter Paneer in advance. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. For best results, avoid the microwave as it may change the texture. Butter Paneer pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Naan bread - Steamed basmati rice - Jeera rice (cumin rice) - Roti - Pulao (spiced rice) - Salad for freshness These sides will balance the rich flavors of the dish. To spice up your Butter Paneer, adjust the red chili powder. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add chopped green chilies for more heat. Another option is to include a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you like, add a dash of hot sauce before serving. Just be careful not to overpower the creamy sauce! Butter Paneer, or Paneer Makhani, shines with its rich blend of tomatoes, spices, and cream. You'll love how the spices mix to create depth in each bite. Remember, you can customize this dish easily by adding veggies or trying a vegan twist. Store your Butter Paneer well and reheat it right to keep its creamy goodness. With these tips and instructions, you can impress anyone at your table. Now, go ahead and enjoy making this delightful dish!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/545923e6-4a1c-4010-b790-4637d75b82e7-250x250.webp)
Butter Paneer (Paneer Makhani)
Indulge in a burst of flavors with this creamy butter paneer delight! This rich and velvety dish combines cubed paneer in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through now to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking game!