Paneer Butter Masala

Panner Butter Masala is a delicious Indian Vegetarian side that accompanies any Indian main!

Step 1: Ingredients

1. 2 cups paneer (chopped)

2. ~15 cashews

3. x 1 Green chilli

4. 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste

5. 1 teaspoon garlic paste

6. 50 grams butter

7. 1 teaspoon sugar

8. Salt to taste

9. 1/2 tablespoon red chilli powder

10. 1/2 tablespoon garam masala

11. 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi

12. x 2 Bay leaves

13. 1 can of diced tomatoes

Step 2: Preparing the Cashews, Paneer & Tomato Paste

1. Chop the paneer into medium sized pieces as shown in the picture and keep aside

(The chopped pieces can be shallow fried in oil if preferred, although not followed in this recipe)

2. Soak the cashews in warm water for 20 mins

3. Blend the cashews with water to obtain a paste of loose batter consistency and keep aside

4. Add the can of tomatoes to a blender and blend to obtain a puree

Step 3: Preparing the Masala

1. Add the butter to a hot pan

2. Add bay leaves, ginger and garlic paste and fry till the raw smell goes away

3. Slit the green chilli in half and add to the pan and fry for a min

4. Pour the tomato puree into the pan and cook for 5 mins at medium heat

5. Add the red chilli powder and garam masala

6. Cook till the raw smell of the spices disappears

7. Once the masala starts to thicken, add the cashew paste, salt and sugar

8. Add more water to the gravy if necessary and combine the masala

Step 4: Adding the Paneer and Finishing the Dish

1. Add the paneer pieces to the gravy once happy with the consistency and cook for just 3-4 mins

(Be careful not to break the paneer pieces and not to cook them for too long)

2. Finish the dish by adding kasuri methi leaves and more butter if preferred

3. Serve the dish with any Indian main and enjoy!