Indian · serves 2

Paneer Butter Masala

Restaurant food at home. Worth the extra ten minutes.

35 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 250g paneer
  • 4 tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 onion
  • 10 cashews
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp cream
  • 1 tsp sugar

Method

  1. Boil tomatoes, onion and cashews in a little water for 12 minutes. Blend smooth, strain if you want it silky.
  2. Butter in the pan, ginger-garlic paste, then chilli powder.
  3. Add the puree, salt, sugar. Simmer 10 minutes until it darkens and thickens.
  4. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and drop it in.
  5. Paneer and cream last, 2 minutes only.

Questions people ask about Paneer Butter Masala

How long does Paneer Butter Masala take?

About 35 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of paneer in Paneer Butter Masala?

Use firm tofu, pressed dry first, or halloumi if you cut the salt elsewhere. Both hold shape better than paneer, so add them a minute later.

Can I make Paneer Butter Masala ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Paneer Butter Masala vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Paneer Butter Masala?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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