This Shahi Paneer is deliciously rich and creamy, making it one of the most popular recipes in Mughlai cuisine. Fresh, unmelting cheese is married with a creamy gravy, perfect for serving with naan or roti. “Shahi” means “royalty,” and I can promise this dish is fit for a King!
Paneer-based curries are among the popular choices for both meat and non-meat eaters in India. it can be made with a wide variety of options, including spicy gravy, a dry variant, and a creamy sauce-based curry. one such easy, simple and rich creamy-sauce curry is the shahi paneer masala known for its mild and sweet taste.
This is a traditional recipe that has been followed for generations and has been a mainstay preparation in Indian cuisine since the time of Moguls. This shahi paneer recipe uses cashew nut-based tomato gravy to bring in the rich texture and flavor
While the list of ingredients for the Shahi Paneer recipe is quite long, you don’t need to be intimidated. The process for making this dish isn’t particularly technical or difficult.
Ingredients for shahi paneer
cashew paste:
- 5 to 6 cashew nuts
- 1 teaspoon roasted Coriander seeds
onion tomato puree:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 pods cardamom
- 1-inch cinnamon
- 1 pod black cardamom
- 3 cloves
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 clove garlic
- 1 inch ginger (chopped)
- 2 tomato (chopped)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
For curry:
- 200 gms Paneer (cottage cheese)
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 1 tej patta (bay leaf)
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 green cardamom
- 1 black cardamom
- ½ tsp caraway seeds
- ¼ cup cream
- ½ tsp Kasuri methi
- ¼ tsp garam masala
Instructions for shahi paneer
For Cashew paste
1) Take the chopped cashews and coriander seeds in a bowl and rinse them with water. Drain all the water and set aside.
2) Add the chopped cashews and coriander seeds in a grinder and grind them into a fine paste
For onion tomato puree
3) firstly, in a kadai heat 1 tbsp butter and saute 2 pods cardamom, 1 inch cinnamon,1 pod black cardamom, and 3 cloves.
4) now add 1 onion, 3 clove garlic, and 1 inch ginger.
5) saute slightly until onion softens.
6) further, add 2 tomatoes and saute slightly.
also, add 1 cup water and 1 tsp salt. mix well.
7) cover and boil for 20 minutes or until it softens completely.
8) cool completely and transfer to a blender. blend to a smooth paste without adding any water.
9) Heat 3 tablespoons ghee in a pan over medium-low to medium heat. Let the ghee melt.
10) Add 1 tej patta (Indian bay leaf), 2 to 3 cloves, 2 to 3 green cardamoms, 1 black cardamom, 1 inch cinnamon, ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (shah jeera).
11) Fry all the whole spices until they release their aroma in the ghee.
12) add in the prepared tomato-onion puree and the prepared cashew paste. Finally, mix well.
13) On a low to medium-low heat mix until the paste is uniform. Then sauté for 7 to 8 minutes.
14) further, add ¼ cup cream and mix until everything is well combined.
15) Stir well and simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
16) Stir and add the paneer cubes. mix well and turn off the flame
17) now add ½ tsp kasuri methi and ¼ tsp garam masala. mix well.
18) finally, enjoy shahi paneer with roti or garlic naan.
Tips and Variations
- You can make a thicker consistency or a medium consistency of the gravy by adding less or more water.
- firstly, in adding cream makes the curry rich and flavourful.
- also, do not make curry spicy as it needs to be mild.
- additionally, sieve the puree to get a silky smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
The shahi paneer recipe tastes great when served hot. Garnish Shahi Paneer with some coriander leaves or mint leaves or a few saffron strands. Serve the Mughlai Shahi Paneer with cumin rice or roti, naan, or paratha.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shahi Paneer transcends the boundaries of a mere culinary creation; it embodies a journey through time, preserving the legacy of royal kitchens. With our detailed guide, you now possess the key to unlock the regal flavors of Shahi Paneer in your own kitchen.
FAQs
1. Is Shahi Paneer a spicy dish?
Shahi Paneer is known for its mild and aromatic flavor profile. While it contains spices, the use of Kashmiri red chili powder imparts a vibrant hue without overwhelming heat. It is a dish that caters to a wide range of palates.
2. Can I customize the richness of the gravy in Shahi Paneer?
Yes, the richness of the Shahi Paneer gravy can be customized to suit individual preferences. Adjust the quantity of cashews and khoa to achieve the desired creaminess. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste.
3. What are the best accompaniments for Shahi Paneer?
Shahi Paneer pairs exceptionally well with naan or basmati rice. The softness of naan complements the creamy texture of the paneer, while the fragrant basmati rice serves as a perfect backdrop for the regal flavors of the dish.
4. Can I prepare Shahi Paneer in advance?
Shahi Paneer can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. However, it is recommended to add the garnishes, such as saffron strands and coriander leaves, just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
5. Does Shahi Paneer freeze well?
Yes, Shahi Paneer can be frozen for future consumption. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
6. Are there variations of Shahi Paneer?
While the classic Shahi Paneer recipe is revered, there are variations that incorporate ingredients like almonds, raisins, or even a touch of honey for a unique twist. These variations allow you to experiment and personalize the dish according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
| Calories | 539kcal |
| Fat | 39g |
| Sodium |
624mg
|
| Potassium |
857mg
|
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Vitamin A |
908IU
|
| Vitamin C |
34mg
|
| Calcium | 208mg |
Also read: Fish fry recipe (step by step)
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