If you are a mushroom lover and like to eat spicy and creamy at the same time, this recipe is for you. Mushroom butter masala is a rich, creamy, spicy, and flavourful Dish. The dish encapsulates the balance between spice, tanginess, and sweetness perfectly. This recipe is hugely popular and has become quite a staple dish in Many Indian restaurants.
The combination of garlic, butter, and mushrooms creates a deep, savory flavor that’s widely appealing. If you’re a fan of restaurant-style Indian food, then I’m going to show you how to make it at home. Here’s a comprehensive Mushroom Butter Masala recipe, including ingredients, preparation, photos, and a step-by-step making process, along with valuable tips and guidance. We will tell you this recipe.
What is Mushroom Butter Masala?
Butter mushroom masala has gained popularity due to its rich flavor, Versatility in cooking, and cultural significance in various cuisines. It is also commonly known as the Makhni mushroom. It is a rich and creamy North Indian Curry featuring mushrooms simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. Butter Masala sauce, also commonly known as makhani sauce. It originates from Delhi, and the name ‘makhani’ stems from ‘makhan’.
Buttery Mushrooms Masala is so easy that even a beginner or an amateur cook can make it. This vegetarian dish is a delightful alternative to the butter chicken recipe, offering a similar indulgent profile without the meat. This recipe is also available on my website. You can try it.
Cultural Significance
Mushrooms, in general, carry rich symbolic meaning across various cultures. Butter mushrooms hold a special place. In Europe, they’ve been part of culinary traditions for centuries. In India, especially in North Indian cuisine, butter-based mushroom dishes are staples in many restaurants. In some traditions, mushrooms are regarded as symbols of good fortune and are incorporated into rituals to bring prosperity.
Culinary Uses of Butter Mushrooms
- Garlic Butter Mushroom: Sauteing mushrooms in butter with garlic is a classic preparation. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for pasta or as a topping for toast.
- Roasted Butter Mushroom: Roasted Butter Mushroom is an easy and quick recipe where roasting the mushroom with butter, garlic, and herbs intensifies their flavor. This method is ideal for serving as a side dish or incorporating with salad.
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta : Incorporating Butter mushrooms into pasta dishes adds depth and richness. They can be combined with cream and herbs to create a comforting meal.
How I make simple Butter Mushroom Masala?

Saute the mushroom with butter, grilled or pan-fried. The tomato gravy or makhni sauce is made by simmering tomatoes with butter,garam masala, spices, and Onions, then blending with the help of a blender jar, resulting in a smooth and flavorful gravy. which gives it a sweetness and helps add a whole lot of flavor to the gravy.
Butter mushrooms are cherished for their mild, slightly sweet taste and soft texture, making them ideal for a variety of dishes. The use of butter and cream adds richness and a good measure of indulgence. Butter and cream are used more in restaurant-style dishes and less so in home-style recipes
Recommended Kitchen tools to make the recipe:
- A large pot or pan – For cooking this dish, use a pot or pan of the right size.
- Knife – A sharp and high-quality chef’s knife is essential.
- Spatula – to stir and turn chicken pieces and transfer them without excess sauce.
- Mixing bowl – Useful for marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices.
- Regular Blender – To achieve a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
- Chopping board – For chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Main ingredients | Mushrooms, Butter |
Cuisine | Fusion |
Course | Main Course Vegetarian |
Preparation Time | 15 min to 20 min |
Cook Time | 20 min to 25 min |
Taste | Mild |
Level of Cooking | Easy |
Serve | 4 |
🥣 Ingredients we need to make Butter Mushroom Masala
Ingredients:
- Butter – 20gms
- Jeera – 1tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2tsp
- Cinnamon stick – 2-3 small
- Black Cardamom – 1
- Green cardamom – 2
- Stararise – 1
- Bay leaf – 2
- Garlic – 6 to 8cloves
- Ginger – 1cm pc
- Onion – 3 small
- Tomatoes- 2 small
- Mushrooms -200 gms
- Butter – 50 gms
- Turmeric – 1/2tsp
- Coriander powder – 1tsp
- Red chilli powder – 1 tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Kasoori Methi – ½ tsp
- Fresh cream – 3 tbsp
What you’ll need to make Mushroom Butter Masala:
- Mushrooms – you can use any mushrooms you like. I always tend to use Button mushrooms are a popular choice due to their size and shape. White button mushrooms have a milder taste.
- Whole spices – They give the first layer of flavour during the tempering process. It is a key step in Indian recipes. The whole spices go first, and the ground spices later.
- Butter – Butter adds richness and that classic “buttery” taste without overpowering the dish. Vegan butter or neutral oil can be used for plant-based versions.
- Cream – Fresh cream thickens the sauce and gives richness and creaminess. You can skip it for a lighter version, or use coconut cream as a vegan substitute.
- Spices & Herbs – The spice list is simple. Kashmiri red chili powder gives the dish its signature orange-red color. Garam masala adds warmth, and kasuri methi brings depth. Fresh coriander leaves make a great garnish.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes form the base of the makhani sauce, so it’s important to use ripe, red, and slightly sweet tomatoes.
🥄 Ingredients Influencing Nutrition
In Mushroom Butter Masala, Common ingredients include mushrooms, butter, cream, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The richness of the dish is primarily due to the use of butter and cream, which contribute to higher fat and calorie content. It is also a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.
How to make Butter Mushroom Masala? (step-by-step process )
Step 1- Clean the mushroom:
- Take 200 g of washed and clean mushrooms. You can deskinn the mushroom. Best to wipe with a damp paper towel to remove dirt.

Step 2 – Saute Mushroom:
- Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add chopped garlic and the sliced mushrooms, cook over a high heat for about 10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the moisture evaporates. Transfer to a bowl and keep aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the sauce:
- Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of oil. Add chopped garlic, cardamom, black pepper, Cinnamon stick, laung/cloves, Bay leaf, and Cumin.

- Mix it once. Add Garlic, Ginger, Cashews/Kaju (Add whole cashew/kaju 10 -12 pieces, or omit nuts to substitute ¼ cup of heavy cream later at the end ). Add tomato, onion, and salt to taste. Cover & cook 10 minutes.

- After it becomes soft and mushy, keep aside & cool completely.
- Take a blender jar, add the cooled-down mixture with ¼ cup of water, and grind into a fine paste.
- Smooth and silky makhani sauce base is ready; keep aside.

Step 4 – Preparing the Gravy:
- Heat a pan, butter over a medium flame.

- Add spices like Chilli powder, Cumin powder, Turmeric powder, and Garam masala fruit once on a low flame. Cook for a couple of minutes.

- Once the oil is extracted, pour the prepared tomato-based sauce or makhni sauce.
- Stir it well & cook until it boils, keep the flame on medium heat. You can add some hot water to cook if required.
- Keep staring in short intervals. This takes 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the kind of cookware and stove. This is the time the sauce develops its flavor.
- Check the seasoning, adjust by adding salt to taste.
- Then add fried butter mushroom. Mix and combine it well. Cook on low heat for five minutes.

- Finish with fresh cream, cook for another 2-3 minutes

- Then, Silky and smooth butter Mushroom Masala is ready to serve.
🍽️What to serve with Butter Mushroom Masala?
To make a proper Indian feast, sides and starters are essential. Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with-
- Naan or Roti: Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha are Ideal for scooping up the rich sauce and not missing any drop.
- Steamed Basmati Rice: Probably the most traditional way and most delicious. The fluffy grains complement the creamy curry.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the spices.
- Brown Rice: To keep things healthier, make brown rice and serve it with this butter Mushroom Masala.
🔍Tips and Variations
- Spice level: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder or green chilies to suit your preference. For a mild dish, reduce it or omit it.
- Vegan option: Substitute butter with oil or vegan butter, and use coconut or oat cream instead of double cream
- Cream Substitute: Substitute cream with milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap mushrooms with paneer, tofu, or a mix of vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace cashews with white melon seeds (magaz) or omit them, adding extra cream for richness.
- Butter: In Indian cooking Used ghee or clarified butter is used. It can be substituted with butter or almost any natural flavoured cooking oil.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Healthier Butter Mushroom Preparation Tips:
You can enjoy a healthier version of this delicious dish by adjusting the following ingredients.
- Reduce Butter and Cream – Use Less Butter and low-fat cream or Curd/yogurt.
- Alternative Thickeners – Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew paste.
- Increase Vegetables – To increase fiber and nutrients, add more mushrooms or other vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and green peas.
Quick Safety Tips While Cooking
- Chop safely – Use a stable cutting board and a sharp knife for mushrooms and veggies.
- Avoid touching your eyes after handling chilies – Wash hands thoroughly.
- Be careful with hot oil – Add ingredients slowly to prevent splattering.
- Cook spices on a low flame – This prevents burning and maintains flavor.
- Keep the stove attended – Never leave your dish unattended on a high flame.
- Use the Right Equipment – Use a nonstick cookware or a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Control Oil Temperature – Maintain optimal range & avoid overheating.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Butter Mushroom Masala spicy?
No, it is not spicy; you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted according to personal preference. By controlling the amount of chili powder or green chilies used in the recipe.
What is Butter Mushroom Masala?
Butter Mushroom Masala is a vegetarian Indian curry featuring mushrooms cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce with butter and cream. It is also known as makhani. It has gained popularity due to its rich flavor and versatility in cooking. It is the alternative to butter chicken or paneer butter masala, offering a satisfying flavor profile.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, Butter Mushroom Masala can be made vegan by using oil instead of butter and substituting dairy cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk.
What can I serve with Butter Mushroom Masala?
This Butter Mushroom masala pairs well with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha, as well as basmati rice or jeera rice.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding vegetables like green peas, Potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, or spinach to enhance its flavor and nutritional value.
How do I thicken the gravy?
For a thickened gravy, you can add cashew nuts or almond paste, or simmer the sauce for a longer time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Butter Mushroom Masala in advance. The flavors often deepen when made ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
Is it necessary to use cream in the recipe?
No, it is not necessary. You can substitute cream with milk or a cashew paste for a lighter or vegan version.
Can I skip Kasuri Methi?
If unavailable, kasuri methi you can omit it, but the dish may lack some depth.
How do I prevent the butter from burning?
Combine a neutral oil with butter when cooking to raise the smoke point and prevent burning.
Conclusion
Butter Mushroom Masala is a globally beloved indian dish known for its rich, creamy North Indian curry that combines sauteed mushrooms with a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. It exemplifies the fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a luxurious texture and a deep, comforting, flavorful experience.
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