Creamy Tomato & Cheese Curry: Paneer Butter Masala But Better

Let’s not play games — you came here for paneer butter masala.
Not just any version though. You want the good stuff. The creamy, tangy, mildly spicy, restaurant-style version that makes you question your loyalty to every other curry.

This isn’t health food. It’s comfort food. It’s “I deserve something amazing” food. And guess what? You don’t need to sell your soul to a delivery app to get it.

We’re talking chunks of soft paneer swimming in a velvety tomato gravy, with enough butter to make your cardiologist nervous. And yes, you can make this at home — without a spice degree or 27 ingredients you’ve never heard of.

Why This Curry Rules (And Probably Always Will)

• Rich and indulgent AF.
• No onions in the traditional version — which means less chopping, more chilling.
• Tastes like you spent hours, but really it’s a 30-minute flex.
• Goes with rice, naan, roti, or a spoon straight to the face. We don’t judge.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to taste joy:

• 200g paneer, cubed (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling brave)
• 2 tbsp butter (the real stuff, please)
• 2 tbsp cream (or full-fat milk if you must)
• 3 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder (Kashmiri for color, regular if you like spice)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Optional: 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) for that classic restaurant touch

Instructions

It’s easier than it looks. And you get bragging rights.

1. First, blend the tomatoes, garlic, and ginger into a smooth puree. No chunks. We want silky, not salsa.
2. In a pan, heat oil + 1 tbsp butter. Add the tomato puree and cook it down for 8–10 minutes till it thickens and the oil starts to separate. That’s when you know it’s legit.
3. Add turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Stir it like you mean it.
4. Stir in cream and the remaining butter. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. You should be getting butter chicken energy at this point.
5. Toss in the paneer cubes. Let them soak up that sauce for 5–6 minutes.
6. Optional (but highly recommended): Crumble in some kasuri methi for that smoky, slightly bitter edge that screams restaurant-style.
7. Taste and adjust. More salt? More cream? Live your truth.

Done. Try not to eat the whole thing before the rice is ready.

Common Mistakes (Because We’ve All Messed This Up Once)

• Undercooking the tomatoes = raw, sour sauce. Give them time.
• Skipping the cream or butter. Don’t do it. It’s literally in the name.
• Overcooking paneer. It gets rubbery fast. Warm it through, don’t boil it to death.
• No salt check. Always taste at the end. Always.

Add-Ons & Variations

Feeling fancy or just bored? Try this:

• Add a splash of honey if it’s too tangy.
• Swap cream with cashew paste for a vegan-ish twist.
• Want protein? Stir in some cooked chickpeas or tofu if paneer’s playing hard to get.
• Add green peas to feel vaguely healthy.

Calories (Yep, This One’s a Little Extra)

Per serving (1 cup-ish):

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: 27g
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 10g

Listen, this isn’t a salad. It’s rich, creamy, and worth every bite. Balance it out with a walk… or just eat it and deal with your life choices later.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought paneer?
Yes! Just soak it in hot water for 10 mins before using to soften it up.

Is this spicy?
Not really. It’s more warm and cozy than mouth-on-fire. Want more heat? Add chili powder or a green chili while blending the tomatoes.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.

Can I freeze it?
Kind of. The sauce freezes well, but paneer can get a little spongy after thawing. Freeze the sauce, add fresh paneer when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This is the dish that turns “meh” evenings into “holy crap this is good” moments. It’s creamy, comforting, and low-effort impressive. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater, your date, or just yourself (because you’re worth it), this one’s a guaranteed win.

Now go eat, butter lover. You’ve earned it. 😎