Paneer Butter Masala (No Onion No Garlic)
No Onion No Garlic Paneer Butter Masala is creamy and a rich gravy best for your parties or your day-to-day meals. It pairs well with roti, rice, naan, or simple pulav.
I do make 2 versions of this, paneer butter masala, with and without onion. Both recipes taste good and I promise you will not miss the onion or garlic in the no onion no garlic version. I am sharing both recipes below.
Yes when I ask in restaurants the no onion no garlic version, they would say it would not taste nice. Or even if I tell this to my friends, they will comment the same, but that is not the case. If you correct it, no one will even realize that this Paneer Butter Masala is onion and garlic-free.
Yes, I have served many dishes to my guests without onion and garlic, and when they realized it was without the two ingredients their jaws dropped in surprise.
Now this is my version of Paneer Butter Masala, it may or may not be similar to others. I am not sure. This is what my family likes and we enjoy it this way.
Did you check my collection of 100 + No Onion No Garlic Recipes?
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Paneer Butter Masala without Cream
This Butter Paneer Masala is also cream-free. For everyday meals, I do not add any fresh cream to the gravy. So it is rich without any cream. The creaminess comes from nuts. Again it is up to you if you want to use nut paste or cream.
Paneer Butter Masala without Onion and Garlic
So the first question everyone will have is what do I add if I am not adding onion and garlic? Well simply skip it, but to add to the texture I add some capsicum/pepper to this. Earlier I used to only make masala from tomatoes. But for the last 1-2 years, I have started adding capsicum/pepper and the texture and color turned out amazing.
I added the red ones, as it add a rich dark color to the gravy. However one can add yellow or the green one too.
Recipe process of No Onion No Garlic Paneer Butter Masala
I first temper some whole spices in butter. I add the tomatoes, capsicum/pepper, nuts, and green chili to this and let it cook until they are soft.
At times I add the nuts along with the veggies and blend it. Other times I add the paste later in the end.
Once they are slightly cool, I puree them in a blender. Now again this goes in a heavy bottom pan along with some butter. The gravy is allowed to simmer along with spices and water. Once the gravy is done, paneer cubes are added.
I like to shallow fry my paneer a little in ghee before adding. This step is optional and one can add it as is. Then the mixture is allowed to boil, for 3-4 minutes.
If adding paste later, add the nuts paste (almonds and cashews). For everyday meals, at times I skip the nut paste. However, it adds a creamy texture and adds to the nutritional value of the curry.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, crushed dry fenugreek leaves are added and everything is mixed once. That's it, you are ready with one rich and creamy no onion no garlic party curry.
Onion and Garlic Recipe of Paneer Butter Masala
If using onion and garlic, saute them along with the whole spice, and then add the tomatoes, and capsicum/pepper.
Fresh Cream
If you are using fresh cream, add it at the end or just when you are about to serve. If adding cream before serving just warm the gravy a bit to mix everything.
Paneer Butter Masala (No Onion No Garlic)
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Ingredients
- Paneer cubes about 250 gms - quantity I use is made from 1.75-2 Ltrs. Milk
- 3-4 tomatoes roughly chopped
- 1 medium size capsicum/pepper
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 3-4 Cloves
- ½ inch of cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon of Turmeric powder
- 1-2 red chilli powder
- ¼ inch ginger roughly chopped
- 2-3 green chillies roughly chopped
- 1-2 Bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi Fenugreek leaves
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cup water.
- 8-10 cashews Optional
For the onion and Garlic recipe
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2-3 small size garlic chopped/minced/pasted finely
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh cream
If making a nut paste (Optional)
- ¼ cup mix of almonds and cashew
- ¼ cup of warm water
Instructions
Shallow frying paneer
- In a pan light shallow fry the paneer cubes using 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee.Paneer cubes, 6 tablespoons of butter
Making Nut Paste (Optional)
- Soak the almonds and cashews in warm water for at least 30 minutes¼ cup mix of almonds and cashew, ¼ cup of warm water
- Puree the almonds and cashews to a smooth paste using some water. One can peel the almonds and use them.
Cooking of Tomatoes and capsicum/pepper for making Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan.6 tablespoons of butter
- Once it starts melting add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, green chilies, turmeric powder, and ginger. Saute for 1-2 mins.1 teaspoon Cumin seeds, 3-4 Cloves, ½ inch of cinnamon stick, ¼ inch ginger roughly chopped, 2-3 green chillies roughly chopped, 1-2 Bay leaf, ½ teaspoon of Turmeric powder
- If using onion and garlic, add now and saute until translucent.1 large onion, 2-3 small size garlic chopped/minced/pasted finely
- If not using onion skip the above step.
- If using cashews or almonds, add them now and shallow fry in that ghee.8-10 cashews
- Now add tomatoes, capsicum/pepper, and let it cook on medium stirring in between.3-4 tomatoes, 1 medium size capsicum/pepper, 8-10 cashews
- Once they are soft switch off and let it cool.
- Once it is cooled down discard the bay leaf.
- Bend it to a smooth puree using water as required.
Making of Paneer Butter Masala
- Add the remaining butter to the pan.
- Once butter is melted, add the puree.
- Pass the puree through a sieve if required to remove any pulp.
- Add water if required to adjust consistency.2 cup water.
- Add salt, sugar, and red chili powder, and let the gravy simmer on slow for at least 10 minutes.1-2 red chilli powder, Salt, 1 teaspoon sugar
- The gravy would thicken a little.
- If cashews are not added earlier, add the nut paste (if using) to the gravy now.1 teaspoon kasuri methi
- Add the Paneer cubes and let it simmer again for 4-5 minutes.
- If using fresh cream, mix and let it simmer for a minute.½ cup fresh cream
- Add garama masala, and crushed fenugreek leaves, mix, and switch off.½ teaspoon Garam Masala, 1 teaspoon kasuri methi
Notes
- Standard US-size cups and spoons are used. 1 Cup = 236 ml, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
- Vegans can use Tofu instead of Paneer and Oil or Vegan Butter instead of Butter.
- The recipe proportions are just guidelines. One can change as per preference.
Updates
This recipe was first published on 4th December 2014 on my blog, Today 9th February 2024, I am updating the content, pics, and the recipe.
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I guess PBM always has a hint of sweetness, and we too don't like it very sweet. That curry looks good and nice that you finally got a version you like!
Paneer butter masala looks so tasty.. oone of mine fav gravy in paneer dishes.
Custom made recipes are the most satisfying. Nice to find that keeper recipe of your favorite dish.
Being a Gujarati, I never gave the sweetness of butter paneer a second thought. Lovely preparation and one that suits your taste buds.
Home made paneer is the best. I never liked the store bought ones. With home made paneer, this butter masala looks awesome. I love that total spread. It is such a drool worthy treat..
Lovely recipe, Renu. My little one loves the curry to be on the sweeter side while the rest of us like the spicier one and so it is never the same on our dining table 🙂
Give me that platter, am just drooling here. That too with homemade paneer, awesome Renu, you rock gal. Lipsmacking here.
though I've had in restaurants I am yet to try to make it at home myself - yours looks so good
With all that butter and cream, this would be a winner at my house. Love the beautiful texture of the curry and great pictures.
This rich butter paneer gravy can anyone make drool over it. The whole platter looks very tempting.
This is a perfect party dish.. shahi gravy based paneer dish will be a treat for everyone.
Butter paneer masala looks so rich creamy and delicious. Perfect party dish Drool worthy share.
Wow. Lovely dish. My family loves paneer. I make this often. I loved the creamy texture. It's so inviting 🙂
What a droolicious recipe Renu! I love all the layers of flavor going in there.
What a mouthwatering treat Renu! Love all the layers of flavor in this recipe!
Paneer butter masala looks delectable and yumm.
The iconic Paneer of indian cuisine is the butter masala. I love your recipe and the true shahi feel your pic creates.
I love butter paneer masala and your version looks delicious...perfect combo with some hot rotis
I am just like you Renu when it comes to sweet gravies, I would rather prefer the spicy ones. I do love jaggery etc in food but not with everything, like they do in restaurants. This looks absolutely delicious and rich! In fact that whole platter which you have put across looks amazing and tempting too. Apt Sunday treat for the family.
You are absolutely right, too sweet curries never click for my tastebuds either. The balance should tilt towards spicy, salty and sour. Your recipe sounds perfect and the click is mouth watering!
I too do not like the sweetish taste that some curries have. This looks delicious, ideal for weekends.
Droolesome share Renu ! The butter paneer masala with homemade paneer sounds absolutely delish !
drooling here seriously. paneer butter masala looking so tempting and mouthwatering.
Just a perfect recipe. I know my whole family would enjoy this!
Love this creamy Paneer butter masala. Home made is always the best.Fab share.
Butter paneer masala looks so rich creamy and delicious. And those fluffy puri wow I am drooling. Lovely share.
I love paneer butter masala with tandoori roti, such a comforting food. Gravy looks perfect, rich and thick. Great recipe to document.
This sounds so perfectly balanced. My husband who never like currys which have a hint of sweetness. I am sure he will love this creamy and rich paneer curry. I am saving it to try sometime soon for my family.
Awesome Renu. Paneer butter masala looks mouthwatering. Drool worthy share.
Paneer butter masala always reminds me of my late FIL who loved it with hot butter naan- probably the ONLY thing he would order when we ate out. your version looks creamy and delish, Renu
Thank You
I finally prepared paneer butter masala without the onion and garlic and it turned out so good. Seriously, hubby didn't realize that I had not added them. Made it for Ekadashi fasting without the turmeric.
Glad he liked it. Thank You for your feedback.
I made paneer today and was wondering what to make with it. This butter paneer masala is the perfect solution. Will make it tomorrow. Thanks.
Paneer butter masala is a classic! Love sattvic food, I do make the same way but bay leaf and the sieving is something i haven't done before, next time i will try this for the restaurant style smooth gravy!
The paneer butter masala was a superb recipe. My daughter is not fond of onion and garlic so i was so good to have this recipe easily made for her.
Glad your daughter liked it. Thank You for your feedback.