Paneer Butter Bites

Paneer Butter Bites vegetarian recipe

These paneer butter bites are little golden nuggets of paneer, simmered in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce. They're a comforting dish that's great for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 250 grams paneer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 0.75 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cut 250 grams paneer into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry them until they are light golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried paneer and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 large finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon ginger paste and 1 tablespoon garlic paste to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until their raw smell disappears.
  4. Stir in 2 medium pureed tomatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sides.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add 0.75 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 0.5 teaspoon garam masala, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in 0.5 cup water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Return the fried paneer cubes to the pan. Add 0.5 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Gently stir everything together.
  8. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  9. Transfer the Paneer Butter Bites to a serving bowl. Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

View the interactive Paneer Butter Bites recipe