Butter Masala Paneer is one of those dishes that almost everyone loves. It’s creamy, mildly sweet, a little spicy, and full of buttery goodness. You’ll find it in almost every Indian restaurant menu, and yes, it tastes amazing with naan or roti.
The good news? You don’t need to be a chef to make it at home. This recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and totally doable even if you are new to cooking.
What Is Butter Masala Paneer?
Butter Masala Paneer is a North Indian curry made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy.
The gravy is made with tomatoes, butter, cream, cashews, and mild spices. That’s why it tastes so smooth and slightly sweet.
Think of it like this:
👉 Paneer cubes swimming in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce
Why Butter Masala Paneer Is So Popular in India
There are many reasons why this dish is super famous:
It’s not too spicy, so everyone can eat it
Paneer makes it filling and protein-rich
It goes well with naan, roti, paratha, or rice
Perfect for family dinners, parties, and festivals
Basically, it’s a safe and tasty choice for all age groups.
Ingredients Required for Butter Masala Paneer
Don’t worry, these ingredients are easy to find.
Paneer cubes
Tomatoes
Onion
Butter
Fresh cream
Cashews
Ginger-garlic paste
Red chilli powder
Garam masala
Salt
Sugar (just a little)
That’s it. Nothing fancy.
Paneer and Butter Masala Gravy Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | Why It’s Used |
|---|
| Paneer | Main protein and texture |
| Tomatoes | Gives gravy color and tang |
| Butter | Rich taste |
| Cashews | Makes gravy thick and creamy |
| Cream | Adds smooth finish |
| Spices | Adds flavour |
Step-by-Step Butter Masala Paneer Recipe
Let’s make it step by step.
Heat butter in a pan
Add chopped onions and cook till soft
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute
Add tomatoes and cashews, cook till mushy
Let it cool and blend into a smooth paste
Put the paste back into the pan
Add salt, chilli powder, garam masala, and a pinch of sugar
Add water to adjust thickness
Add paneer cubes
Finish with cream and a little butter
Done! See? Not scary at all
How to Make Creamy Butter Masala Gravy (Key Secret)
Here’s the secret most restaurants use:
Blend the gravy really smooth
Cook it slowly on low flame
Add cream at the end
This is what makes the curry silky and rich.
Common Mistakes While Making Butter Masala Paneer
Avoid these beginner mistakes:
Don’t overcook paneer (it becomes rubbery)
Don’t add too much cream (it becomes heavy)
Don’t skip cashews (they give thickness)
Don’t cook on high flame after adding cream
Slow cooking is the key here.
Butter Masala Paneer Without Cream (Healthier Version)
Yes, you can make it without cream.
Instead of cream:
Use milk
Or use blended soaked cashews
Or add a little malai (optional)
Taste will still be good, just lighter.
Vegan Butter Masala Paneer Option
Want a vegan version?
Replace paneer with tofu
Use oil instead of butter
Skip cream or use coconut cream
Still delicious
Butter Masala Paneer vs Shahi Paneer (Difference Explained)
| Butter Masala Paneer | Shahi Paneer |
|---|---|
| Tomato-based | Cashew-based |
| Slightly tangy | More sweet |
| Bright red color | Pale creamy color |
Both are tasty, just different styles.
Calories in Butter Masala Paneer (Per Serving)
One serving (restaurant style) has around:
350–400 calories
Calories mainly come from butter, cream, and paneer.
Is Butter Masala Paneer Healthy?
It can be healthy if eaten in moderation.
Pros:
Very filling
Cons:
High in fat if too much butter/cream is used
Tip: Eat with roti instead of naan for a lighter meal.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Butter Masala Paneer
This curry tastes best with:
Butter naan
Tandoori roti
Jeera rice
Plain basmati rice
Choose your favourite combo
How to Store and Reheat Butter Masala Paneer
Store in fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat on low flame
Add a little water or milk while reheating
Avoid reheating again and again.