Butter Paneer is one of the crown jewels of Indian vegetarian cuisine, beloved for its rich, creamy texture and indulgent flavors. When combined with an array of fresh vegetables, it transforms into a wholesome dish that is both comforting and vibrant.
This recipe brings together the iconic buttery tomato gravy with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a medley of seasonal vegetables, creating a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a protein-packed meal or simply craving the authentic taste of Indian home cooking, these butter paneer veg recipes will surely delight your palate.
With a luscious tomato and butter base, enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh cream, this dish captures the essence of North Indian flavors. It’s ideal for family dinners, festive occasions, or even when you want to impress guests with something special yet simple to prepare.
Plus, the versatility of adding different vegetables makes it customizable to your taste and availability. Ready to dive into the magic of Indian cooking?
Let’s explore why these butter paneer veg recipes are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter paneer veg recipe combines the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of paneer and the wholesome goodness of vegetables. The buttery tomato gravy, infused with garam masala and other authentic spices, offers a luxurious mouthfeel that’s hard to resist.
It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion.
What makes it even better is its adaptability. You can tailor the vegetable mix based on your preferences or seasonal availability, making it a versatile recipe for year-round enjoyment.
Moreover, it pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice, making it a complete meal. If you love Indian flavors but want a nourishing yet indulgent dish, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, beans, cauliflower, finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Water as needed
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or 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
- Prepare the paneer and vegetables: Cut paneer into 1-inch cubes and set aside. Chop the mixed vegetables finely to ensure they cook evenly.
- Blanch or lightly steam the vegetables: This step helps retain their color and crunch. Set aside once tender but firm.
- Make the tomato puree: Blend the fresh tomatoes until smooth and keep aside.
- Heat butter in a pan: Add cumin seeds and let them splutter to release their aroma.
- Sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste: Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Then add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sautéing until the raw smell disappears.
- Add spices: Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour in the tomato puree: Mix well and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala, about 8-10 minutes on medium heat.
- Add the blanched vegetables: Mix the vegetables into the tomato gravy and stir well.
- Incorporate paneer cubes: Gently fold in the paneer, being careful not to break the cubes.
- Add fresh cream and kasuri methi: Sprinkle kasuri methi by crushing it between your palms, then pour in the cream. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes on low heat. Add water if the gravy is too thick.
- Finish with garam masala and garnish: Sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves. Give it a final gentle stir and remove from heat.
- Serve hot: Pair this luscious butter paneer veg with buttery naan, jeera rice, or any Indian bread of your choice.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half the butter with ghee (clarified butter).
If you prefer a smokier taste, try the “dhungar” technique by adding a piece of hot charcoal to the gravy and covering the pan to trap the smoky aroma.
Try adding different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn to vary textures and flavors.
For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Fat | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This butter paneer veg recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian breads such as naan, tandoori roti, or paratha. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside jeera rice or plain basmati rice.
A side of fresh cucumber raita or a tangy pickle will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy gravy.
For a complete Indian feast, consider exploring other recipes like Lamb Tenderloin Recipes or try something refreshing like the Lemon Straws Recipe. For a unique appetizer, check out the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
Conclusion
Butter paneer veg recipes are a celebration of Indian culinary artistry, combining creamy textures with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables for a dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful vegetarian option that satisfies both the taste buds and nutritional needs.
The versatility of the vegetables allows you to customize the dish to your liking, while the buttery tomato gravy ensures every bite is rich and comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises an authentic taste of India that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices and vegetables to make it your own signature dish.
Enjoy it with your favorite Indian breads or rice, and savor the delightful symphony of flavors!
📖 Recipe Card: Butter Paneer Veg
Description: A rich and creamy Indian dish combining paneer and mixed vegetables in a buttery tomato-based gravy. Perfectly spiced and comforting, it pairs well with naan or rice.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Mix in turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Stir in fresh cream and paneer cubes gently.
- Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 28 g | Carbs: 12 g
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