Paneer Makhani Recipe: The Perfect Indian Comfort Food

Paneer Makhani, also known as Paneer Butter Masala, is a classic Indian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy and spicy dish is made with paneer, a type of Indian cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Paneer Makhani is a popular vegetarian option that is easy to make and will leave your taste buds wanting more!

Ingredients

• 250g paneer
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2-3 tomatoes
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup cream
• 1 tsp kasuri methi
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and butter in a pan. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for a minute.
3. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cashews and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Let the mixture cool down and then blend it in a blender to make a smooth paste.
6. Heat the same pan, add the paste and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add the paneer and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Add cream, kasuri methi and salt to taste and stir well.
9. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the paneer with tofu or another vegan cheese alternative. You can also substitute the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Variations

If you want to add some extra texture and flavor to this dish, you can try adding some vegetables such as bell peppers, peas or potatoes. You can also adjust the amount of spices to make it more or less spicy according to your taste.

Conclusion

Paneer Makhani is the perfect Indian comfort food that is easy to make and will satisfy any craving for something creamy and spicy. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan. So why not give it a try and enjoy the taste of India in the comfort of your own home!

FAQ

What is Paneer Makhani?

Paneer Makhani is a vegetarian Indian dish made with paneer (a type of Indian cheese) in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Paneer Makhani?

To make Paneer Makhani, you will need paneer, tomatoes, cream, butter, ginger, garlic, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

Can I use tofu instead of paneer to make Paneer Makhani?

Yes, you can use tofu instead of paneer to make Paneer Makhani. However, the texture and flavor of the dish will be slightly different.

How do I make the paneer for Paneer Makhani?

To make paneer for Paneer Makhani, heat milk in a pan and add lemon juice or vinegar to it. Stir until the milk curdles and then strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth. Press the cloth to remove excess water and shape the paneer into a block.

Can I make Paneer Makhani ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Paneer Makhani ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, you may need to add a splash of cream or water to thin out the sauce after reheating.

Is Paneer Makhani spicy?

Paneer Makhani can be spicy, but the level of spice can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less chili powder.

What can I serve with Paneer Makhani?

Paneer Makhani can be served with rice, naan bread, or roti.

Can I freeze Paneer Makhani?

Yes, you can freeze Paneer Makhani. Allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long does Paneer Makhani last in the fridge?

Paneer Makhani will last in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container.

Can I make Paneer Makhani vegan?

Yes, you can make Paneer Makhani vegan by using a dairy-free cream alternative such as coconut cream and replacing the paneer with tofu or another vegan cheese alternative.