Butter Paneer Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Butter Paneer is a quintessential Indian dish that has won the hearts of vegetarians and food lovers worldwide. This creamy, rich, and flavorful curry combines soft cubes of paneer—Indian cottage cheese—with a luscious tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream.

Perfectly spiced yet mild enough for all palates, butter paneer is a staple in Indian restaurants and homes alike. Whether you are looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome goodness.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step butter paneer recipe that is both authentic and simple enough to make at home. From selecting the right ingredients to tips for perfecting the gravy, you’ll learn everything to create this iconic dish.

Plus, I’m sharing tips and variations to customize your butter paneer experience. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butter paneer recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly rich and creamy, thanks to the generous use of butter and cream, which adds a luscious texture to the tomato gravy.

The paneer cubes remain soft and tender, soaking up the flavors beautifully.

Second, this recipe is vegetarian and packed with protein from paneer, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option. Lastly, it’s versatile—you can serve it with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice, making it perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer (cubed)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Water as needed

Equipment

• Non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Blender or food processor (for tomato puree)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Bowl for soaking kasuri methi

Instructions

1. Prepare the paneer: Cut the paneer into 1-inch cubes and lightly fry them in 1 tablespoon of butter until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess butter.
2. Make the tomato puree: Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes, then peel and blend them into a smooth puree. Set aside.
3. Sauté spices and onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Cook the tomato puree: Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
6. Spice it up: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Add cream and kasuri methi: Lower the heat and add fresh cream gradually while stirring. Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the gravy. Mix well.
8. Simmer the gravy: Add about 1/4 cup water to adjust consistency. Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
9. Add paneer cubes: Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
10. Finish with garam masala and sugar: Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and add sugar if desired. Stir gently and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat.
11. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, use fresh paneer or homemade paneer. If you prefer, soak the paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to keep them soft and moist.”

Here are some additional tips and variations to elevate your butter paneer experience:

• Make it vegan: Substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream and butter.
• Smoky flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or lightly char the tomatoes for a smoky undertone.
• Spice level: Adjust the red chili powder according to your spice tolerance, or add green chilies for an extra kick.
• Richness: For a richer gravy, add a tablespoon of cashew paste along with the cream.
• Storage: Butter paneer tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Butter paneer pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian breads and rice dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Garlic Naan: The buttery, garlicky bread complements the creamy curry perfectly.
• Steamed Basmati Rice: Its fragrant grains balance the richness of the dish.
• Jeera Rice: Cumin-flavored rice adds an aromatic touch.
• Roti or Paratha: Whole wheat flatbreads absorb the luscious sauce well.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad for freshness.

If you love exploring vegetarian recipes, you might also enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe or the vibrant Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes. For a sweet finish, check out the delightful Kolasnittar Recipe.

Conclusion

Butter paneer is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition. This recipe offers a harmonious balance of creamy tomato gravy and tender paneer cubes, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and anyone craving a comforting meal.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your kitchen.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, butter paneer never fails to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own.

Enjoy the richness, the warmth, and the authentic taste of India with every bite!

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