Paneer Makhani

A favourite with most people while eating out at any punjabi restaurant! paneer makhani as the name suggests is a very rich subzi from the lap of punjab. It uses one of punjabi cuisines most loved ingredients butter. In traditional punjabi houses, the women folk make pure white butter from thick creamy milk. The liquid that is left over after the butter has been removed is very delicious and cooling and makes a tasty drink. Soft paneer chunks are dunked into a rich tomato based gravy, a must try for all paneer lovers!
Add your private note Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Makes 4 servings
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Ingredients

For The Gravy2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup cashewnuts (kaju)
4 whole dry kashmiri red chillies , broken into pieces

Other Ingredients3 tbsp butter
2 tsp garlic (lehsun) paste
25 mm (1”) piece cinnamon (dalchini)
3 cloves (laung / lavang)
2 cardamoms (elachi)
2 bayleaves (tejpatta)
1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
2 tsp garam masala
1/2 cup tomato puree
salt to taste
1/4 cup whisked fresh curds (dahi)
1 tsp sugar
4 tbsp fresh cream
2 cups paneer (cottage cheese) strips , cut into 1" x 1/4"

For The Garnish2 tbsp fresh cream

Method
For the gravy

1. Combine all the ingredients along with 1½ cups of water in a deep kadhai and boil on a high flame for 10 to 15 minutes or till the tomatoes are soft, while stirring occasionally.
2. Cool and blend in a mixer to a smooth mixture. Keep aside.

How to proceed

1. Heat the butter in a deep kadhai, add the garlic paste and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
2. Add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and bayleaves and sauté on a medium flame for a few more seconds.
3. Add the dried fenugreek leaves, garam masala, tomato purée, prepared mixture and salt, mix gently and cook on a medium flame for another 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously.
4. Add the curds, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 more minute.
5. Add the sugar, ¼ cup of water, paneer and cream, mix well and cook on a medium flame for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot garnished with fresh cream.