Homemade Paneer Masala Recipe
Delicious Paneer Masala Recipe (Masala Wala Paneer Recipe) is a classic North Indian dish where soft chunks of paneer are combined with a rich, creamy and spicy tomato-based gravy. Whether you are hosting a dinner party for yourself or just craving for authentic Indian cuisine, this Masala Paneer dish will make people of all ages want to try it again. Its taste is loved by everyone. The Secret Paneer Masala Recipe has an amazing taste and this Masala Paneer Recipe becomes the favorite dish of everyone who tries it once.
Here, we are going to show you a step-by-step guide to make Restaurant-Style Paneer Masala Recipe at home.
Ingredients for Masala Paneer Recipe
For the Paneer:
- Paneer: 250 gms (cut into cubes)
- Water: 2 cups (to soak the paneer)
For the Paneer Masala Gravy:
- Oil: 2 tablespoon
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Onions: 2 medium size (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes: 3 large (puréed)
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green Chilli: 1 (cut lengthwise)
- Cashews: 10-12 (soak for 15 minutes and make a paste)
- Fresh Cream: 2 tablespoons
- Yogurt/Curd: 2 tablespoons (optional, for tanginess)
Spices:
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chilli Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam Masala Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Kasuri Methi (Dry Fenugreek Leaves): 1 teaspoon (crushed)
- Salt: As per taste
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (optional to balance the taste)
for Paneer Butter Masala Garnish:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: 2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
How to Make Paneer Masala Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Paneer
- Cut and soak: First, prepare the paneer by cutting it into small pieces. Soak them in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to keep them soft and moist.
- Optional Step: If you like lightly roasted paneer, fry the cubes in a non-stick pan till a light golden crust forms. Keep it aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Tomato-Cashew Puree
- Soften the Cashews: Soak the cashews in warm water for 15 minutes. Then blend them into a smooth paste.
- Make the Tomato Puree: Blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree and keep aside.
Step 3: Cook the Base Masala
- Heat the Oil and Butter: Heat oil and butter together in a large pan or kadhai. This mixture gives a rich flavor to the gravy.
- Fry Onions: Heat oil in the pan then add finely chopped onions and fry on medium flame till golden brown. This step is important to enhance the flavour of the dish.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes till the raw smell disappears.
- Add Green Chillies: Add chopped green chilies for an extra layer of spice.
Step 4: Adding the Tomato Puree
- Add the prepared tomato puree to a pan or kadai.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder and mix them well.
- Cook the mixture on medium flame till the oil separates from the spices. This indicates that the spices are cooked well.
Step 5: Adding the Cashew Paste
- Add cashew paste and mix everything well. This will give the masala paneer gravy a creamy and rich texture.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the paste does not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Adding Paneer
- Add the paneer pieces to the prepared masala and stir slowly so that the paneer and masala get evenly mixed in the gravy.
- If using curd, add it at this stage and mix well so that it doesn’t curdle and all the spices mix well together to enhance the taste.
Step 7: Adjusting the Consistency
- Add 1/2 cup water to adjust the consistency of the gravy as per your liking.
- Let the paneer cook in the gravy for 5-7 minutes on low flame. This will allow the paneer to infuse the flavours well.
Step 8: Final Step
- Sprinkle garam masala powder and crushed kasuri methi over the gravy.
- Add fresh cream to it for a yummy and delicious finish.
- Add sugar if you like a little balanced sweetness.
Step 9: Garnishing and Serving
- Turn off the flame and garnish the Paneer Masala (Paneer curry) with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve it hot with naan, roti or steamed basmati rice.
Pro Tips for How to make Perfect Paneer Masala Recipe
- Use Fresh Paneer: Fresh paneer adds a lot of flavor and texture to the dish. If you have bought it from the store, soak it in warm water to soften it.
- Cook on Low Heat: To prevent the spices from burning and to develop a deep flavour, cook the masala on low to medium heat.
- Balance the Flavours: Adjust the spice, spiciness and sweetness as per your preference.
- Substitute for Fresh Cream: If you don’t have fresh cream, use full-fat milk or malai (clotted cream) as an alternative.
Why you'll Love this Masala Paneer Recipe
- Authentic Taste: Get the same flavor you love from your favorite Indian restaurants.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, creaminess, and consistency to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: This Paneer Butter Masala Recipe takes less than an hour to make, making it perfect for both special occasions and weekday dinners.
Conclusion
Making Restaurant-Style Paneer Masala at home is easier than you think! With its creamy texture, aromatic spices and melt-in-your-mouth paneer, this Daba Style Paneer Masala Dish is sure to be a hit at your dining table. This Paneer Masala Sabji is loved by people of all ages and is relished with great fondness. Do try these Paneer Masala Secrets and let us know how it turned out!
If you need any variations or additional tips for the Masala Paneer Gravy Recipe, let me know!
