Paneer Butter Masala/Paneer Makhani

Ingredients

• 1 Cup, Paneer,cubed and soaked in warm water
• 1 Large Red Onion,sliced
• 2 Medium Tomatoes,pureed,without seeds and water
• 6 Cashewnuts
• For Masala:
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 3 Green Cardamom
• 1/2 Inch piece of Cinnamon
• 4 Cloves
• 1/2 Teaspoon Jeera/Cumin Seeds
• 6 Pepeprcorns
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander Seeds
• 1/2 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
• 1 Teaspoon Poppy Seeds White
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds
• 2 Sprigs Cilantro
• 2 Tablespoon Heavy Cream
• Water if needed to grind
• Additional:
• 2 Tablespoon Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Oil
• 1 Teaspoon,Kasoori Methi (dried Fenugreek Leaves) ,crushed
• 1 Teaspoon Ginger paste
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic paste
• Salt as per need
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
• 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream
• 2 Sprigs Cilantro,chopped
• 1 Teaspoon,Garam Masala Powder(Optional)
• A pinch of red /orange food grade color(optional)

Instructions

1. In a pan,add butter and oil together,and heat it.
   When hot,add cashew nuts and onion.
   Fry them till soft and brown.
   when cooled grind it to a smooth thick paste by adding very little water.
2. Meanwhile,in a mixer grinder,add all the ingredients mentioned "For Masala" except cilantro,cream and water.
   Pulse it once to make a coarse powder.
   Add cilantro and cream and grind it to a smooth paste.
   If required add water to it.
3. In the same pan, add the kasoori methi and let it cook in the leftover juice of fried onion.
   Next add the masala paste and let it cook.
   Add ginger and garlic paste.
   Add salt and sugar,add the onion paste.
   Add tomato puree and mix further.
   Optionally add garam masala powder and pinch of food color ,cream and mix well.
   
4. Let this cook till oil starts to separate,add paneer cubes and mix slowly.
   Add chopped cilantro and serve immediately Roti /Naan /Paratha or Rice.