Paneer butter masala is a popular Indian dish made with paneer, butter, cream, and spices. It is a rich and creamy curry that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. Paneer butter masala can be made at home easily, but it does require some time and patience. The key to making a good paneer butter masala is to use good quality ingredients and to cook the onions and tomatoes until they are very soft.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 green chilli, chopped (optional)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cubed paneer
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves and cook for a minute, or until fragrant.
2. Add the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the onions and green chili (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy, about 10 minutes.
5. Drain the cashews and add them to the pan along with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and butter and heat through.
7. Add the paneer and cook for a minute, or until heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.

Tips

• For a richer flavour, you can smoke the tomatoes before adding them to the curry. To do this, preheat a grill or pan over medium heat. Rub the tomatoes with a little oil and grill or pan-roast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are charred.
• You can also add a dollop of ghee to the curry before serving.
• Paneer butter masala is traditionally served with rice or roti, but it can also be served with naan or paratha.

Paneer butter masala is a delicious and decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. It is relatively easy to make at home, but it does require some time and patience. The key to making a good paneer butter masala is to use good quality ingredients and to cook the onions and tomatoes until they are very soft. With a little effort, you can make a paneer butter masala that is just as good as the one you would get at a restaurant.

Here are some additional tips for making paneer butter masala:

• Use high-quality paneer. The best paneer is firm and has a slightly sweet taste.
• Don’t overcook the onions. They should be soft but not mushy.
• Don’t overcook the tomatoes. They should be soft and mushy, but not too liquidy.
• Add the heavy cream and butter at the end of cooking. This will help to prevent the curry from curdling.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh and flavorful touch.