How to make Paneer Butter Masala

Why cooks start here

Paneer Butter Masala is cooked the way Punjab dhabas cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a indian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Paneer Butter Masala, a beloved classic from the Punjabi culinary landscape, is a dish that thrives in the bustling dhabas of North India. These roadside eateries are known for their hearty, robust flavors and generous hospitality. The home version you'll find here captures the spirit of these dhabas, where the salt is judged by hand, and the fat is used without restraint, creating a dish perfect for sharing at the family table. Creamy and rich, Paneer Butter Masala envelops tender cubes of paneer in a velvety tomato and butter sauce, punctuated by the warm, aromatic notes of garam masala and the subtle bitterness of kasuri methi. This dish should feel like a comforting embrace, with each bite offering a balance of tangy, spicy, and buttery flavors that invite you to savor its luxurious simplicity.