Paneer butter masala is another popular dish in Indian cuisine, especially among vegetarians. Similar to chicken butter masala, it features a creamy tomato-based sauce, but instead of chicken, it uses paneer, which is a type of Indian cottage cheese.
The exact origins of paneer butter masala are not as well-documented as some other dishes, but it likely evolved from the same culinary traditions as butter chicken, particularly in the North Indian region. Paneer itself has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries, with references to it dating back to ancient texts.
As for recipes, here's a classic one for making paneer butter masala:
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the tomato puree, red chili powder, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
4. Add the paneer cubes and coat them well with the masala. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the paneer.
5. Add the heavy cream and garam masala. Stir well and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Paneer butter masala pairs well with naan, rice, or roti. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful dish!