Easy Butter Paneer Masala
What is Butter Paneer?
Mmmm… paneer butter masala. Is there a more simple, classic and comforting Indian dish?
Butter Paneer Masala, also often called Shahi Paneer or Paneer Makhani, is simply the vegetarian version of India’s cult classic Butter Chicken. Most Indian restaurants even use the same rich, creamy tomato-y sauce for both dishes (Butter Paneer and Butter Chicken). This easy butter paneer recipe is seriously one of the best and truly a favourite in our home.
Paneer is simply a fresh Indian cheese kinda sorta similar to cottage cheese, feta or halloumi.
It is chewy, milky, a little “bounce-y”, and super addictive.
Is it obvious? I adore paneer to an extent that borders on irrational.
In Butter Paneer, paneer is quickly simmered in an insanely delicious sauce made with tomatoes, cream and rich spices. It sucks up the rich, buttery sauce and makes the world a better place.
My Butter Paneer recipe includes ground almonds, which imparts richness and flavour (and even a pleasant texture, if your blender is not super high-powered). Serve it with naan or hot basmati rice, and make more than you think you’ll need 😉
I have a Vitamix which is why my sauce is super-smooth and paler orange in colour – pureeing tomatoes in it lightens the hue more than it would with a lower-power blender, because more air is whipped in.
Where to Find Paneer
Paneer is quite easy to make at home – it’s made simply by adding lemon juice to boiled milk, then straining and pressing.
If you want to DIY, you can hop on over to my homemade paneer recipe here – How to Make Paneer at Home: My Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide.
If you’re looking for a quicker option, not to worry – it’s pretty easily accessible in most well-stocked grocery stores, and definitely any Indian grocer.
If not making it myself, I look for a package with minimal additives (like carrageenan, guar gum, etc.).
How to Make Butter Paneer
Making homemade butter paneer really only requires a few simple steps.
Here’s how to make easy butter paneer:
- Caramelize onions in a saucepan or dutch oven. This is where an important part of the flavour is developed, so take your time.
- Stir in garlic, ginger and some Indian spices. Warming the spices gently for a few moments develops them more deeply and makes them more fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes and almonds and simmer. This step allows them to soften and the flavours to meld.
- Add cream and blend the mixture. Puréeing the sauce creates a creamy, dreamy smooth and rich gravy.
- Add sauce back to pan to simmer and add paneer. It only takes a few minutes to simmer gently and before you know it, the paneer will be full of creamy rich flavour.
If you haven’t noticed, love vegetarian Indian food. You know this already if you’ve been hanging around here for a while (and if you have, thank you! I <3 you!). My hubby is Indian, so exploring India and Indian food has been a long-time passion. To that end, here’s a few more of my love-filled, and flavour-packed creations I think you may like.
More Vegetarian Indian Recipes
Authentic Homemade Indian Chai
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp coarse salt
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds plus more for topping
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 400 grams paneer cut in cubes
- Chopped cilantro and sliced optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Add onions and slowly cook until golden, about 20 minutes, reducing heat if they are getting crispy or browning quickly. This is an important flavour-building step, don't rush it!
- Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in garam masala, paprika, cinnamon and salt; cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and almonds; cook 2 minutes, then add cream and carefully puree using an immersion blender (or standing blender, but do it in batches or the steam will blow the top off).
- Return sauce to saucepan and bring to a simmer. Gently stir in paneer and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Top with cilantro and additional almonds, if desired.
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What a touching story! Kind people always warm my heart. There aren’t that many of them left. I also lol’d at
his head bobbling in the peaceful Indian gesture that means “yes”, “no”, “maybe”, “hello”
Is that the ambiguous head nodding “outsourced” described?
What a touching story! Kind people always warm my heart. There aren’t that many of them left. I also lol’d at
his head bobbling in the peaceful Indian gesture that means “yes”, “no”, “maybe”, “hello”
Is that the ambiguous head nodding “outsourced” described?
What a touching story! Kind people always warm my heart. There aren’t that many of them left. I also lol’d at
his head bobbling in the peaceful Indian gesture that means “yes”, “no”, “maybe”, “hello”
Is that the ambiguous head nodding “outsourced” described?
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!
that is one adorable dog you have. I’m glad it all turned out okay.
that is one adorable dog you have. I’m glad it all turned out okay.
I am holding my dachshund Basil SO TIGHT right now, as I read this story. I am so glad you are all safe! the unwavering and instant help from a stranger gives me hope.
I am holding my dachshund Basil SO TIGHT right now, as I read this story. I am so glad you are all safe! the unwavering and instant help from a stranger gives me hope.
I only came here for the cinnamon bun recipe but I read this and I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so glad Oliver is fine and that there are people out there willing to help, to get their hands dirty and take risks for strangers. 
And what a handsome fella he is – it makes me laugh, though, I have a 1 year old Cocker girl and always get asked whether she’s a setter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beezzzkneez/6987018277/ Looking at that second photo she could be Oliver’s short-legged sibling!
I only came here for the cinnamon bun recipe but I read this and I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so glad Oliver is fine and that there are people out there willing to help, to get their hands dirty and take risks for strangers.
And what a handsome fella he is – it makes me laugh, though, I have a 1 year old Cocker girl and always get asked whether she’s a setter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beezzzkneez/6987018277/ Looking at that second photo she could be Oliver’s short-legged sibling!
I’m so glad you’re both Ok! Reading this brought me to tears, and brought back the terrifying day I watched my @ZooeyNuggs bounce off the front tire of a car and bolt into rush hour traffic on West Georgia Street. Something spooked her, she yanked, her leash slipped my hands and off she went. She was only six months old, in complete shock and I don’t know how I didn’t get hit by a car as I chased her, screaming, through traffic. In this case, my ‘Happy’ was a trio of VPD officers who happened to be making an arrest… Read more »
I only came here for the cinnamon bun recipe but I read this and I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so glad Oliver is fine and that there are people out there willing to help, to get their hands dirty and take risks for strangers.
And what a handsome fella he is – it makes me laugh, though, I have a 1 year old Cocker girl and always get asked whether she’s a setter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beezzzkneez/6987018277/ Looking at that second photo she could be Oliver’s short-legged sibling!
I only just read this post (usually your blog is a daily read for me!) I am so glad for you that someone rescued Oliver! Our fur-babies really do mean the world to us don’t they? Hugs for you and wet-nose kisses for Oliver! Have a great Canada Day!
just saw your post and cried the whole time I read it. I was so hoping at the end only good things were going to come of this. The brave person you are inspired Happy to help you. So good to hear that all ended so well and the deed of another helping another is to make one believe in kindess and goodness.
What a terrifying ordeal! I was in tears reading this story and thinking of my own little munchkins at home. I’m so glad your little guy is ok. A toast to Happy tonight.
Wow, we’re still crying here. You never know who will step in to help. Thank goodness (& Happy) that you and Oliver are safe. 
Wow, we’re still crying here. You never know who will step in to help. Thank goodness (& Happy) that you and Oliver are safe.
wow this was really hard to read without crying. I am so glad you are both ok.
Wow, we’re still crying here. You never know who will step in to help. Thank goodness (& Happy) that you and Oliver are safe.
So very glad this had a happy ending, and that an angel appeared when you needed him.
 Obviously he knew as you & I .a dog is mans best friend and worth everything to save,So glad your pup is ok!!!! What a story!!! Glad it had a happy ending
Obviously he knew as you & I .a dog is mans best friend and worth everything to save,So glad your pup is ok!!!! What a story!!! Glad it had a happy ending
thank God for Happy, if karma is real his is golden.  My heart was in my mouth reading your story, again, thank God for sending you Happy
I hope all kinds of wonderful things happen for that man. I’m blubbering here at my desk and so glad you got your boy back.
Obviously he knew as you & I .a dog is mans best friend and worth everything to save,So glad your pup is ok!!!! What a story!!! Glad it had a happy ending
Wow. I’m fighting back tears here. That is a wonderful story. It’s nice to know good humans still exist.
thank God for Happy, if karma is real his is golden. My heart was in my mouth reading your story, again, thank God for sending you Happy
thank God for Happy, if karma is real his is golden. My heart was in my mouth reading your story, again, thank God for sending you Happy
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!
I hope all kinds of wonderful things happen for that man. I’m blubbering here at my desk and so glad you got your boy back.
I’m so glad you’re both Ok! Reading this brought me to tears, and brought back the terrifying day I watched my @ZooeyNuggs bounce off the front tire of a car and bolt into rush hour traffic on West Georgia Street. Something spooked her, she yanked, her leash slipped my hands and off she went. She was only six months old, in complete shock and I don’t know how I didn’t get hit by a car as I chased her, screaming, through traffic. In this case, my ‘Happy’ was a trio of VPD officers who happened to be making an arrest… Read more »
just saw your post and cried the whole time I read it. I was so hoping at the end only good things were going to come of this. The brave person you are inspired Happy to help you. So good to hear that all ended so well and the deed of another helping  another is to make one believe in kindess and goodness.
wow this was really hard to read without crying. I am so glad you are both ok.
that is one adorable dog you have. I’m glad it all turned out okay. 
I only just read this post (usually your blog is a daily read for me!) I am so glad for you that someone rescued Oliver! Our fur-babies really do mean the world to us don’t they? Hugs for you and wet-nose kisses for Oliver! Have a great Canada Day!
I hope all kinds of wonderful things happen for that man. I’m blubbering here at my desk and so glad you got your boy back.
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!
I’m so glad you’re both Ok! Reading this brought me to tears, and brought back the terrifying day I watched my @ZooeyNuggs bounce off the front tire of a car and bolt into rush hour traffic on West Georgia Street. Something spooked her, she yanked, her leash slipped my hands and off she went. She was only six months old, in complete shock and I don’t know how I didn’t get hit by a car as I chased her, screaming, through traffic. In this case, my ‘Happy’ was a trio of VPD officers who happened to be making an arrest… Read more »
wow this was really hard to read without crying. I am so glad you are both ok.
I only just read this post (usually your blog is a daily read for me!) I am so glad for you that someone rescued Oliver! Our fur-babies really do mean the world to us don’t they? Hugs for you and wet-nose kisses for Oliver! Have a great Canada Day!
just saw your post and cried the whole time I read it. I was so hoping at the end only good things were going to come of this. The brave person you are inspired Happy to help you. So good to hear that all ended so well and the deed of another helping another is to make one believe in kindess and goodness.
that is one adorable dog you have. I’m glad it all turned out okay.
So very glad this had a happy ending, and that an angel appeared when you needed him.
Wow. I’m fighting back tears here. That is a wonderful story. It’s nice to know good humans still exist.
I hope all kinds of wonderful things happen for that man. I’m blubbering here at my desk and so glad you got your boy back.
What a terrifying ordeal! I was in tears reading this story and thinking of my own little munchkins at home. I’m so glad your little guy is ok. A toast to Happy tonight.
that is one adorable dog you have. I’m glad it all turned out okay.
Wow, that must have been so scary! I’m glad everything turned out all right in the end!