🧈 Masala Butter Paneer Recipe

A restaurant-style North Indian dish featuring soft paneer cubes in a spiced, buttery, and creamy tomato-based gravy. Perfect with naan or rice!

🧂 Ingredients
For the Paneer:
250 g paneer (cubed)

1 tsp oil or butter (to lightly sauté, optional)

Salt to taste

For the Masala Gravy:
2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil

1 bay leaf

2 cloves

1 small cinnamon stick

2 green cardamoms

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

3 tomatoes, pureed

1–2 green chilies (optional)

1½ tsp Welza Kitchen King Masala or Welza Garam Masala

1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

Salt to taste

¼ cup fresh cream

1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)

Fresh coriander for garnish

👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Paneer
(Optional) Lightly sauté paneer cubes in oil or butter until golden on the edges. Set aside.

For extra soft paneer, soak cubes in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before using.

Step 2: Make the Masala Base
Heat butter and oil in a pan.

Add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamoms. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Gravy
Add pureed tomatoes and cook on medium heat until the oil separates.

Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, Welza Masala, sugar, and salt.

Cook for another 5–6 minutes until the gravy thickens and deepens in color.

Step 4: Finish the Dish
Add cream and crushed kasuri methi. Mix well.

Add paneer cubes and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat so they absorb the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

🍽️ To Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander, a swirl of cream, and a small knob of butter on top. Serve hot with:

Butter naan

Lachha paratha

Jeera rice or plain basmati rice

🔥 Tips for Restaurant-Style Flavor:
Use ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness and bright color.

Always finish with kasuri methi and cream for signature aroma and silkiness.

Add a splash of honey for a slightly sweet restaurant-style finish.

🍛 Cook Bold. Serve Rich.
Welza Spices & Paneer Masala Blends – Unlock real restaurant flavor at home.