Easy Butter Paneer Makhani Recipe – Creamy Paneer Butter Masala
Ingredients
Oil - 2 tbsp
Butter (unsalted) - 4 tbsp
Bay Leaf - 1 qty
Cinnamon Stick - 1/2 inch
Cloves - 3 qty
Green Cardamom - 2 qty
Cashews - 10-15 qty
White Onion - 1 large, chopped
Diced Canned Tomatoes - 16 oz (460 g)
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp, if needed
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Water - 1 - 1.5 cups
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tsp
Heavy Cream - 6 tbsp
Paneer - 9 oz (250 g), cubed
Kasuri Methi (fenugreek leaves) - 2 tsp, crushed
Cilantro - garnish
Creamy, rich, and filled with warm spices, this might become your new favorite butter masala recipe. This decadent and creamy makhani gravy recipe is perfect for making butter paneer and butter chicken, but feel free to use whatever protein replacement you love: Butter Tofu, Butter Cauliflower, Butter Chickpeas and more!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Paneer Butter Masala. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For butter paneer calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our paneer makhani recipe in hindi!
Instructions
How to Make Makhani Gravy:
1) In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of unsalted butter.
2) Once the oil is hot, add 1 bay leaf, a 1/2 inch piece of cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and 2 green cardamom pods. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
3) Add 1 whole white onion (diced ) and 10-15 whole cashews. Mix well and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
4) Add 16 oz of canned, diced tomatoes. In addition, add 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp coriander powder. Mix thoroughly.
5) Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
PRO TIP: If your masala is too dry, add a couple tablespoons of water to avoid burning.
6) Once the tomatoes have become completely mushy and the oil begins to seep out from the sides, your masala is ready. Turn off the heat and remove the whole spices (cinnamon stick, bay leaf, 3 cloves, 2 cardamom).
7) Cool the mixture for about 15 - 20 minutes.
8) Transfer the masala mixture to a blender, and add 1 - 1.5 cups of water if needed.
9) Blend the mixture into a very smooth puree.
10) Pour the puree through a fine sieve in order to remove any remaining pieces or grit from the gravy.
PRO TIP: Use a spoon to push the gravy through and make sure to scrape the bottom of your sieve!
11) In a large pan or pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of oil.
12) Once the butter is completely melted, add 1 tsp of kashmiri red chili powder. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
13) Add 2 tsp of ginger garlic paste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
14) Next, add the gravy puree into the pan and mix thoroughly to incorporate. Cook for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally.
PRO TIP: If your gravy is too thick, add some water to thin it out!
15) Add 6 tbsp of heavy cream to the gravy and mix well.
Assembling Butter Paneer, Chicken, or Tofu
1) Add about 250 grams of cubed paneer. Mix until the paneer is completely covered.
2) Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat.
3) Remove from heat.
4) Finally, add 2 tsp of crushed kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves), and 1 tbsp of butter. Mix thoroughly to incorporate.
5) Garnish your butter paneer with a drizzle of cream and cilantro. Serve hot with naan or rice!
Creamy, rich, and filled with warm spices, this might become your new favorite butter masala recipe. This decadent and creamy makhani gravy recipe is perfect for making butter paneer and butter chicken, but feel free to use whatever protein replacement you love: Butter Tofu, Butter Cauliflower, Butter Chickpeas and more!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Paneer Butter Masala. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For butter paneer calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our paneer makhani recipe in hindi!
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
Fresh Papdi Recipe + Papri Chaat – How to Make Homemade Crispy Papdi with Aloo, Chana, Yogurt, and Chutneys
Craving authentic Indian street food? This Papdi Chaat recipe shows you how to make crispy homemade papdi from scratch and top it with potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, curd, and spices for the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. A delicious and colorful snack that’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress at your next gathering!
Papdi Chaat is one of the most iconic Indian street foods, known for its vibrant flavors, crunchy textures, and refreshing toppings. This beloved snack starts with crispy homemade papri—thin, golden wafers made from whole wheat flour, ghee, and cumin.
These crunchy discs are then topped with a medley of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, chopped onions, and juicy tomatoes, making each bite hearty and satisfying. A drizzle of creamy yogurt, tangy mint chutney, and sweet tamarind chutney ties all the ingredients together, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Papdi Chaat. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our papri chaat calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Bread Pakora - Quick & Easy Indian Snack - Vegetarian Bread Pakoda
Make Father's Day special with this step-by-step vegetarian Bread Pakora recipe. Filled with spiced mashed potatoes, dipped in seasoned gram flour batter, and fried until crisp—this nostalgic Indian snack is crunchy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. Serve these bread pakoda hot with mint chutney and enjoy a comforting bite with every piece.
Celebrate Father’s Day with a nostalgic Indian snack that’s sure to bring a smile—Sandwich Bread Pakora. This recipe features a flavorful mashed potato stuffing seasoned with red chili powder, garam masala, and fresh coriander. The stuffing is layered between slices of soft white bread, dipped in a lightly spiced besan batter, and deep-fried until crisp and golden. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes for a memorable, homemade holiday treat.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Bread Pakoda. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our sandwich bread pakora calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Chicken Biryani Recipe - Traditional Layered Biryani with Spiced Chicken, Fragrant Rice & Saffron - Eid ul Adha Recipe
Make your Eid celebration unforgettable with this step-by-step Chicken Biryani recipe video. Featuring juicy chicken, creamy yogurt, fried onions, aromatic whole spices, saffron, and perfectly layered basmati rice—this traditional biryani is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any festive gathering. Learn how to make Chicken Biryani with our video recipe!
This Eid, treat your loved ones to a rich and aromatic Chicken Biryani that captures the essence of South Asian celebration. Made with tender chicken legs and thighs, this biryani is layered with fragrant basmati rice, whole spices, fried onions, and a creamy yogurt-based gravy infused with almonds, coconut, and green chilies. The slow dum (steam) cooking method allows all the bold flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s festive, hearty, and utterly satisfying.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chicken Biryani. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our chicken biryani calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
