Shahi Paneer Recipe – A Royal Dish for Every Occasion

Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy curry. It is one of those dishes that holds a very special place in Indian cuisine.Originating from royal kitchens, this dish makes soft paneer cubes soak in a luxurious gravy consisting of cream, nuts, and spices. Whether you have a festive gathering to be held or just want something heavy for dinner, Shahi Paneer is the ideal choice. Its well-balanced flavor attracts people of all ages, thus becoming the most favorite selection for celebrations.

Let’s take a deeper look at how to prepare this royal dish at your home.

What is Shahi Paneer?

Shahi Paneer means “royal paneer.” Shahi Paneer is one of the popular north Indian dishes. Its ancestry can be found in the time of the Mughals. At that time, food preparation was done with lavish ingredients. It is accompanied with creamy tomato and cashew gravy along with the flavor of aromatic spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. It differs from other paneer curries as Shahi Paneer has a flavor which is slightly sweet and nutty. It can be accompanied with naan, roti, or even with steamed basmati rice. The dish will definitely be a showstopper at any dining table with its luxurious taste and texture.

Key Ingredients and Their Importance

• Paneer: The main hero of the dish, it gives a soft, creamy texture.
• Cashews: It gives a nutty richness to the gravy.
• Tomatoes: Form the tangy base of the curry.
• Cream: Adds richness to the dish.
• Spices (cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf): Give an aromatic flavor to the curry.Here’s a table summarizing the key ingredients for Shahi Paneer:
  

  Ingredient	Purpose
  Paneer	Main ingredient that provides soft, creamy texture
  Cashews	Adds nutty richness to the gravy
  Tomatoes	Creates the tangy base of the curry
  Cream	Adds richness to the dish
  Spices (cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf)	Provides aromatic flavor

Fresh and good-quality ingredients are very important for authentic taste.

How to Make Shahi Paneer Recipe Step by Step

Preparing the Base Gravy

1. Soak 10-12 cashews in warm water for 15 minutes, then grind into a smooth paste.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter in a pan. Add a bay leaf, 2 cardamom pods, and a small piece of cinnamon.
3. Sauté 2 finely chopped onions until golden brown.
4. Add 3 pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
5. Mix in the cashew paste, then add 1 tsp of red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala.

Cooking Paneer and Assembling the Curry

1. Chop 200 grams of paneer and lightly fry or use as is.
2. Add ½ cup of cream to the gravy and mix well.
3. Fold the paneer cubes gently into the gravy and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Garnish with a drizzle of cream and coriander leaves chopped on top.

How to Prepare the Ideal Shahi Paneer

Use fresh paneer for the right texture. Soak paneer cubes in warm water before adding them to the curry. This will keep the paneer soft. Sweetness and creaminess depend on the amount of cream and sugar used. To have a smoky flavor, add a piece of coal to the curry and cover it for a few minutes.

Why Choose Blend of India Spices?

For an unforgetting taste of Shahi Paneer, a good amount of spices do the magic. Blend of India is coming up with its organic preservative-free spices, promising to get the real authentic flavors of India in the kitchen today. Watch this space for the launch of Blend of India Spices to be your taste creator.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook Shahi Paneer without the addition of cream?

A: It can be made easily using milk or curd as a substitute for achieving the desired lightness and fluffiness.

Q: How long can this recipe be stored?

A: You can store it for 2 days in the fridge and keep it in a container for freshness.

Q: What to serve with Shahi Paneer?

A: Any recipe of butter naan, tandoori roti, or steaming of rice will go good.