How to Make Paneer Masala?

How to Make Paneer Masala: A Simple Delight for Your Tastebuds

Ever wondered how that local Indian restaurant crafts the perfect paneer butter masala that dances on your tastebuds? 

Or perhaps you’re just looking for simple paneer recipes to expand your culinary repertoire? Good news, friend! You’re in the right spot.

With its rich flavours and creamy texture, Paneer masala isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. You might wonder, “Is it possible to recreate this delight in my kitchen?” 

And to that, we say – absolutely! You can whip up this delicacy with just a few ingredients and some love in no time. So, why go out when you can dine in with style?

Paneer Butter Masala Ingredients 

• Paneer – 250 grams, cubed
• Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato – 2 medium, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
• Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
• Fresh cream – ¼ cup
• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Salt – to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnishing

Onions & Tomatoes: These two are like a dynamic duo, working together to provide a robust and flavorful base. They are the backbone, providing structure to our narrative.

Ginger-Garlic Paste: Consider this the plot twist of our dish. Combined, they add depth, creating that intricate flavour profile that makes paneer butter masala so loved.

Spices: Red chilli, turmeric, and garam masala are the supporting characters, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring our story is spiced just right.

Fresh Cream: It’s the climax of our dish, adding a finishing touch that takes our paneer butter masala from delightful to divine.

Cilantro: Our garnish, much like the ending note of a good book, leaves you with a fresh and lasting impression.

With these ingredients, you’re not just preparing a dish; you’re narrating a tale of flavours, textures, and aromas. A story that, once tasted, is never forgotten. So, ready to dive into the delicious narrative of paneer butter masala?

Directions:

Following are the directions to prepare the recipe. 

1. The Golden Start

In a pan, melt the butter. Isn’t butter just one of those ingredients that promises something good is about to happen?

2. Onions

Add the finely chopped onions. Sauté them until they’re golden brown. How can something so simple transform a dish, you ask? That’s the magic of caramelized onions.

3. Ginger-Garlic Magic

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste. This dynamic duo is all about adding depth to the dish. Let it sauté for a minute or two until the raw smell disappears.

4. Tomato Time

Pour in the pureed tomatoes. Let it simmer. Do you feel the anticipation building? That’s the tomato doing its thing!

5. Spice it Up

Add red chilli powder, turmeric, and salt; let it cook if you bottle the aroma.

6. Paneer Party

Once the gravy thickens, add the paneer cubes. Gently mix, ensuring every cube is well-coated.

7. The Finishing Touch

Add garam masala and fresh cream. Give it a good mix. Remember, this is where our paneer butter masala gets its royal touch.

8. Garnish & Serve 

Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for that burst of green. There you have it – a dish fit for royalty!

You know, they say cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are so many notes or colours, there are that many flavours—it’s about how you combine them. 

And with this paneer recipe, you’ve just created a masterpiece! So, the next time someone asks for simple paneer recipes, guess which one will top your list?

Final Words 

In conclusion, paneer masala, with its delightful fusion of flavours, holds a special place in the hearts of many food lovers. Whether you’re relishing it for its taste or its nutritional value, it’s undeniable that this dish offers a unique and unforgettable culinary journey. 

Hungry for More? Stay connected for a feast of new recipes!

Happy cooking!

But beyond its taste, plenty of questions surround this delicacy. Let’s get to the heart of some of these FAQs!

FAQ’s

What is Paneer Masala made of?

Paneer Masala is primarily made of paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese) immersed in a spicy and creamy gravy that consists of onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and a mix of spices like red chilli, turmeric, and garam masala, all enriched with a touch of fresh cream.

Is Paneer Masala good for you? 

Like any dish, moderation is key. Paneer Masala is rich in protein due to the paneer and offers various nutrients from the spices and vegetables used. However, it also contains butter and cream, which can be high in calories.

Enjoying it in moderation is essential, especially if one is mindful of calorie intake.

Is paneer butter masala good for health? 

Paneer butter masala provides a good amount of protein and calcium from the paneer. The spices also have health benefits, but the dish’s richness from butter and cream is best consumed in moderation.

What’s the difference between tikka masala and paneer? 

Tikka masala typically refers to a dish with marinated ingredients, often in a yogurt mixture, and then grilled or roasted. The term “tikka” essentially means “bits” or “pieces.” 

Paneer is an Indian cottage cheese. Paneer can be used in tikka masala, resulting in “paneer tikka masala,” where the paneer cubes are marinated and grilled before being added to the masala gravy.

Is paneer tikka healthy or unhealthy? 

Paneer tikka, which is paneer marinated and grilled or roasted, is a healthier option as it uses less oil and doesn’t have a rich gravy. The protein-packed paneer combined with yogurt and spices offers nutritional benefits. However, like all foods, it should be consumed as a balanced diet.

Do you cook paneer before putting it in curry? 

It depends on the recipe. For some curries, paneer is added directly to the gravy and simmered until it becomes soft. In others, like paneer tikka masala, the paneer is marinated, grilled, or roasted before being added to the curry.

Is it OK to eat paneer every day? 

Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium. In moderation, it can be a part of your daily diet. However, it’s essential to consider the overall calorie and fat intake, especially if the paneer is cooked in rich gravies or with a lot of oil.

What is paneer called in English? 

Paneer is often referred to as “Indian cottage cheese” in English.

Taste is subjective, and the best paneer masala often depends on individual preference. However, the creamy and rich paneer butter masala remains a classic favourite for many.