Shahi Paneer Recipe

Shahi Paneer, literally translating to “royal cottage cheese,” is one of the most loved North Indian dishes, often found gracing the menu of weddings, festivals, and special occasions. Rich, creamy, and mildly spiced, this dish is a true indulgence for all paneer lovers.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxuriously creamy and aromatic
• Mildly spiced—perfect for kids and adults alike
• Made with everyday pantry staples
• Ready in under 30 minutes!

🧀 Ingredients

For the curry base:

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1-inch ginger, chopped
• 3–4 garlic cloves
• 8–10 cashews
• 1 green chili (optional)

For the gravy:

• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1–2 green cardamom pods
• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cream
• 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)

For garnish:

• Fresh cream
• Slivered almonds or cashews
• Chopped coriander leaves

🍲 How to Make Shahi Paneer

1. Prepare the Curry Base:

• Heat 1 tbsp ghee/oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add garlic, ginger, cashews, and green chili. Cook for a minute.
• Add tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
• Let the mixture cool, then blend it into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Gravy:

• In a pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee or butter. Add bay leaf, cumin seeds, and cardamom.
• Pour in the onion-tomato-cashew paste. Cook on medium heat for 4–5 minutes until oil begins to separate.
• Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, sugar, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes.
• Add cream and mix well. Pour water and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

3. Add the Paneer:

• Gently add paneer cubes to the simmering gravy.
• Let it cook for 3–4 minutes. Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.
• Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cream and slivered nuts.

🫓 Serving Suggestions

Serve Shahi Paneer hot with:

• Butter Naan
• Roti
• Jeera Rice
• Veg Pulao

It also pairs wonderfully with laccha paratha for an indulgent meal.

👩‍🍳 Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream.
• Smoky twist: Add a coal smoke (dhungar method) to get that restaurant-style aroma.
• Creamier texture: Blend in a spoon of khoya or a dash of milk powder.
• Prep ahead: You can make the curry base in advance and freeze for up to 2 weeks.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Shahi Paneer is the ultimate comfort food that brings together richness, aroma, and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish will always impress.

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