Paneer Masala Recipe with step by step pictures and a quick recipe video
What is Paneer Masala?
Paneer masala is fried chunks of paneer cooked in regular homely gravy which is absolutely delicious and flavorful. Paneer masala is a simpler paneer preparation. It has onion tomato based gravy and some basic spices which add flavors to paneer masala.
Let’s talk about the Ingredients for Paneer Masala
Paneer masala, as already mentioned, is onion tomato based gravy. The onions are grated instead of being ground. It gives a wonderful texture to the dish. The tomatoes are pureed and added. It adds the required smoothness. For some richness, the cream is added. Apart from these some basic spices are used. The paneer is deep fried in this recipe which makes it even juicier and tastier. It is thoroughly garnished with chopped coriander which really compliments the flavor introduced by onions in the recipe. Other paneer curries recipes on the blog can be found here.

An absolutely homely kind of paneer preparation – PANEER MASALA
Paneer Masala Recipe
Prep time | 10 minutes |
Cook time | 20 minutes |
Total time | 30 minutes |
Serves | 4 persons |
Ingredients for Paneer Masala Recipe
- 200 gm paneer cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil + oil for frying paneer
- 1 black cardamom (Badi elaichi)
- 2-3 cloves (laung)
- 6-8 black peppercorns (sabut kali mirch)
- 2 medium-sized onions, grated
- 3 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed
- Salt to taste
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup water or as much required
- A handful of chopped coriander
How to make paneer masala
- Deep fry paneer pieces
Heat enough oil. Add paneer pieces. Fry on low flame till golden brown. Do not fry paneer on high flame as proteins burn fast. Use a non-stick pan or Kadai to fry paneer as paneer tends to stick to the pan.
- Cook whole spices and grated onions
Heat 2 tbsp of oil. Add 1 black cardamom, 3 cloves, and 7 black peppercorns and fry till they turn aromatic. Add 2 grated onions. Cook on low flame till onions become golden brown. Do not undercook onions. They should be cooked well. Do not cook on a high flame.
- Cook powdered spices and tomato puree
Add 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Cook for 30 seconds and fall in love with the aroma of the cooked spices.
Add 3 pureed tomatoes. Now be patient and cook them on a low flame till the oil oozes out.
- Add cream
Add 2-3 tbsp heavy cream and cook for 2 minutes. Do not overcook cream
- Add water and paneer and cook
Add 1 cup water. Let it simmer. Add fried paneer pieces. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Check seasoning and consistency. Adjust the same if required. Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Bon appétit
Enjoy paneer masala with simple tawa chapattis.
Suggestions
- You may also add in some ginger paste. Do not add garlic. It will make the gravy heavy.
Watch Video – Paneer Masala | How to Make Masala Paneer Curry Recipe | Paneer Recipes