Paneer Butter Masala – A Royal Indian Delight

Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Butter Paneer Masala, is one of the most popular North Indian vegetarian curries loved across the globe. This creamy, rich, and flavorful dish is often served with naan and paneer butter masala or with jeera rice, pulao, or even plain steamed basmati rice. It is such a versatile recipe that it has many variations like Jain Paneer Butter Masala, Cheese Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Butter Masala without onion and garlic, Paneer Butter Masala without cream, and even a dhaba-style paneer butter masala recipe.

Whether you are searching for paneer butter masala near me in restaurants or want to make paneer butter masala at home, this recipe is always a comforting choice. From weddings to weekend family dinners, it is a must-have dish on Indian menus. In this blog, we will explore its history, variations, calories, health aspects, ingredients, step-by-step recipes, and restaurant-style tips.

History and Origin of Paneer Butter Masala

The roots of Paneer Butter Masala go back to Punjabi cuisine. In the 1950s, chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi first created the dish Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani). Soon, vegetarians demanded a similar creamy curry with paneer instead of chicken, and thus, Butter Paneer Masala or Paneer Makhani was born. Over time, different regions gave it their own twist. For example, in Tamil Nadu, paneer butter masala in Tamil hotels is often slightly sweeter, while Madras Samayal paneer butter masala uses more local spices.

Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala

The magic of this recipe lies in using the right ingredients for paneer butter masala.

Here’s a simple list:

• Paneer (cottage cheese) – 250g (fresh or homemade)

• Tomatoes – 4 medium (ripe, red, juicy)

• Onions – 1 medium (optional for Jain version)

• Cashew nuts – 10–12 (for creaminess)

• Butter – 3 tbsp

• Fresh cream – 2 tbsp (or cream replacement in paneer butter masala)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp (skip for paneer butter masala without onion garlic)

• Green chili – 1 (optional)

• Spices: Red chili powder, Garam masala, Turmeric, Coriander powder

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

For people searching for paneer butter masala without cream, you can replace cream with milk, cashew paste, or almond paste. Similarly, for paneer butter masala without onion garlic, you can prepare it only with tomatoes, cashews, and spices.

Easy Paneer Butter Masala Recipe

If you want to make easy paneer butter masala at home, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan.

2. Add chopped onions (skip for Jain version), ginger-garlic paste, and sauté till soft.

3. Add chopped tomatoes, cashews, red chili powder, turmeric, and coriander powder. Cook until tomatoes turn mushy.

4. Cool the mixture and blend into a smooth paste.

5. Heat butter in the same pan. Add the puree and cook for 7–8 minutes until it thickens.

6. Add garam masala, kasuri methi, salt, and sugar (optional for balance).

7. Add paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes.

8. Finish with fresh cream or a substitute for fresh cream in paneer butter masala.

Serve hot with butter naan and paneer butter masala.

Jain Paneer Butter Masala

For those who follow Jain food habits, onions and garlic are not used. Instead, the recipe is made with tomatoes, cashews, and mild spices. To balance the flavor, more cream or butter is added. The result is a mildly sweet and creamy curry that pairs perfectly with naan and paneer butter masala or even with chapati.

Paneer Butter Masala without Cream

Many people avoid cream due to calories. For a healthier version, try these alternatives:

• Use milk instead of cream

• Add cashew paste or almond paste

• Use curd (yogurt) for tanginess

• Try coconut cream for a South Indian touch

So if you are searching for how to make paneer butter masala without fresh cream in Tamil, simply use cashews and milk for the same creamy texture.

Paneer Butter Masala Calories

If you are wondering about paneer butter masala calories, here’s an approximate breakdown:

• 1 serving (1 cup or 200g) of paneer butter masala = 350–400 calories

• Butter naan calories = 250–300 calories

• Together, butter naan with paneer butter masala calories = 600–700 calories

Now, many ask: Is paneer butter masala good for weight loss?
The answer is yes if eaten in moderation. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, but the butter and cream increase calories. Opt for paneer butter masala without cream and butter to reduce calories.

Variations of Paneer Butter Masala

1. Dhaba Style Paneer Butter Masala – Spicier, richer, with more butter.

2. Restaurant Style Paneer Butter Masala Recipe – Creamy, silky, and sweet.

3. Paneer Butter Masala without Onion and Garlic – For religious fasts or Jain diets.

4. Cheese Paneer Butter Masala – Loaded with grated cheese for extra richness.

5. Kaju Badam Paneer Butter Masala – Cashew and almond-based creamy gravy.

6. Easy Paneer Butter Masala in Tamil – Simple version for beginners.

Paneer Butter Masala in Different Languages

• Paneer Butter Masala in Tamil → பனீர் பட்டர் மசாலா

• Butter Paneer Masala Recipe in Hindi → पनीर बटर मसाला

• Paneer Butter Masala Deutsch → Paneer Butter Masala Rezept

This shows how loved this dish is worldwide – from paneer butter masala in Tamil kitchens to German food lovers searching for Paneer Butter Masala Deutsch recipes.

Serving Suggestions

• Paneer Butter Masala with Naan – Classic combo, soft naan absorbs creamy gravy.

• Paneer Butter Masala with Butter Naan Calories – Approx. 650–700 calories per meal.

• Paneer Butter Masala with Rice – For a wholesome comfort meal.

• Paneer Butter Masala with Jeera Rice – Perfect for family dinners.

How to Make Paneer at Home

If you don’t get paneer easily, here’s how to make paneer at home in India or even abroad (like how to make paneer at home in Germany):

1. Boil full-fat milk.

2. Add lemon juice or vinegar.

3. Once milk curdles, strain in a muslin cloth.

4. Press for 2–3 hours to set.

5. Cut into cubes and use in curries.

Homemade paneer makes your easy paneer butter masala recipe taste much better.

Health Benefits of Paneer Butter Masala

• Rich in protein and calcium (paneer supports bone health).

• Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene.

• Cashews and almonds add healthy fats.

• Can be made healthier by reducing cream and butter.

For people checking is butter naan good for weight loss, the answer is no if eaten daily. But occasionally enjoying naan and paneer butter masala is perfectly fine.

Restaurant Style Tips for Paneer Butter Masala

To make your dish like restaurants:

1. Use ripe, red tomatoes for a rich color.

2. Add a little sugar for balance.

3. Always finish with butter and cream used in paneer butter masala.

4. Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.

Paneer Butter Masala Quotes for Food Lovers

• "Life is better with naan and paneer butter masala."

• "Good food equals paneer butter masala with butter naan."

• "Happiness is homemade paneer butter masala recipe."

Conclusion

Paneer Butter Masala is not just a dish; it is an experience of taste and tradition. Whether you enjoy paneer butter masala with naan, prefer a healthier version like paneer butter masala without onion and garlic, or indulge in a rich restaurant-style butter paneer masala recipe, this curry never fails to impress.

From calorie-conscious versions like paneer butter masala without cream to festive versions like kaju badam paneer butter masala, there is a recipe for everyone. No wonder people keep searching for paneer butter masala near me across the world.

So, the next time you crave comfort food, try making this easy paneer butter masala at home and enjoy the royal flavors of India on your plate.