Learn how to make paneer makhani, a North Indian dish of sautéed cheese coated in a rich, comforting spiced tomato gravy.

Paneer Makhani Recipe: Tips for Making Butter Paneer

Paneer makhani (“buttery cheese”), also called paneer makhanwala, consists of fresh cheese coated in a creamy, tomato-based gravy. It comes from the same region as another beloved classic, [butter chicken](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/butter-chicken-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey), or murgh makhani. (“Makhan” means “soft” or “butter” in Punjabi.)
Paneer makhani is similar to paneer butter masala; both dishes consist of cubed paneer in a buttery tomato sauce but may feature slight variations in the spices used. Both paneer butter masala and the related dish shahi paneer gain extra richness from ground cashew nut paste added to the creamy tomato sauce.
Paneer makhani is <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/all-about-indian-cuisine-the-most-popular-dishes-and-where-to-start' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/all-about-indian-cuisine-the-most-popular-dishes-and-where-to-start","linkCopy":"Indian food","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Indian food</a> at its finest: a showcase of simple flavors and textures brought together in a satisfying, approachable dish. Here’s what to know. 

1. __Fresh vs. canned tomatoes__: Use whatever you have available to make paneer makhani’s creamy tomato sauce. If tomatoes are in season, dice or purée a pound or two of ripe tomatoes. If you prefer the velvety texture of canned tomato sauce, save the fresh tomatoes for another use. 
2. __Working with paneer__: Also known as the Indian cottage cheese, paneer is a fresh, farmer-style cheese that does not melt when cubed and cooked. The cheese has a mild character that complements the spice-forward profile of Indian cuisine, as seen in dishes like [palak paneer](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-palak-paneer-tips-and-easy-recipe) and matar paneer. If you can’t find paneer, substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar texture. Alternatively, make your own batch with this [homemade paneer recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-paneer).
3. __Serving__: Serve paneer makhani over steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (rice with cumin seeds) or with warm flatbreads like [naan](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/quick-and-easy-homemade-naan-recipe), roti, or paratha for dipping in the tomato gravy.
Learn how to make paneer makhani, a North Indian dish of sautéed cheese coated in a rich, comforting spiced tomato gravy.

Paneer makhani (“buttery cheese”), also called paneer makhanwala, consists of fresh cheese coated in a creamy, tomato-based gravy. It comes from the same region as another beloved classic, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/butter-chicken-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/butter-chicken-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey","linkCopy":"butter chicken","category":null}'>butter chicken</a>, or murgh makhani. (“Makhan” means “soft” or “butter” in Punjabi.)

What Is Paneer Makhani?

Paneer makhani is similar to paneer butter masala; both dishes consist of cubed paneer in a buttery tomato sauce but may feature slight variations in the spices used. Both paneer butter masala and the related dish shahi paneer gain extra richness from ground cashew nut paste added to the creamy tomato sauce.

What Is the Difference Between Paneer Makhani and Paneer Butter Masala?

Paneer makhani is <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/all-about-indian-cuisine-the-most-popular-dishes-and-where-to-start' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/all-about-indian-cuisine-the-most-popular-dishes-and-where-to-start","linkCopy":"Indian food","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Indian food</a> at its finest: a showcase of simple flavors and textures brought together in a satisfying, approachable dish. Here’s what to know. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Fresh vs. canned tomatoes: Use whatever you have available to make paneer makhani’s creamy tomato sauce. If tomatoes are in season, dice or purée a pound or two of ripe tomatoes. If you prefer the velvety texture of canned tomato sauce, save the fresh tomatoes for another use. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Working with paneer: Also known as the Indian cottage cheese, paneer is a fresh, farmer-style cheese that does not melt when cubed and cooked. The cheese has a mild character that complements the spice-forward profile of Indian cuisine, as seen in dishes like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-palak-paneer-tips-and-easy-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-palak-paneer-tips-and-easy-recipe","linkCopy":"palak paneer","category":null}'>palak paneer</a> and matar paneer. If you can’t find paneer, substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar texture. Alternatively, make your own batch with this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-paneer' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-paneer","linkCopy":"homemade paneer recipe","category":null}'>homemade paneer recipe</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Serving: Serve paneer makhani over steamed basmati rice or jeera rice (rice with cumin seeds) or with warm flatbreads like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/quick-and-easy-homemade-naan-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/quick-and-easy-homemade-naan-recipe","linkCopy":"naan","category":null}'>naan</a>, roti, or paratha for dipping in the tomato gravy. </li></ol>

3 Tips for Making Paneer Makhani

North Indian Paneer Makhani Recipe

Learn how to make paneer makhani, a North Indian dish of sautéed cheese coated in a rich, comforting spiced tomato gravy.

Learn how to make paneer makhani, a North Indian dish of sautéed cheese coated in a rich, comforting spiced tomato gravy.
