Discover the art of crafting delectable Shahi Paneer in the comfort of your own kitchen with our comprehensive step by step guide. Shahi Paneer a beloved Indian dish combines succulent cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) with a rich creamy and aromatic gravy that’s fit for royalty. Our detailed instructions will walk you through the entire process from marinating and frying the paneer to creating the luscious cashew-based gravy.
Elevate your culinary skills as you explore the perfect balance of spices and ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef our recipe ensures success every time.
Impress your family and friends with this classic North Indian delicacy that’s ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Embrace the joy of homemade Shahi Paneer, and savor the authentic taste of India in every creamy bite.
Shahi Paneer is a delicious Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a creamy and aromatic gravy. Here’s a basic recipe for Shahi Paneer:
Ingredients for Shahi Paneer
For the Paneer
- 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
- 1/4 cup yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying (optional)
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (coriander powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions for Shahi Paneer
Marinate the Paneer
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well.
- Let it marinate for 30 minutes. You can also shallow fry the marinated paneer in a little oil until it turns golden brown. This step is optional.
Make the Cashew Paste
Drain the soaked cashew nuts and blend them into a smooth paste using a little water. Set aside.
Prepare the Gravy
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and golden brown.
Add the Ginger and Garlic
Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Add Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This may take around 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
Add Cashew Paste:
Add the cashew paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Add Fresh Cream and Sugar
Pour in the fresh cream and mix well. If you prefer a slightly sweet taste, you can add sugar at this stage (optional).
Add Paneer
Gently add the marinated paneer cubes to the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
Finish and Garnish
If the gravy is too thick, you can add some water or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Serving for Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer is ready to be served hot. It pairs well with naan, roti, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade Shahi Paneer!
Tips and Tricks to Help you Make the Perfect Shahi Paneer
Quality of Paneer: Use fresh and soft paneer for the best results. You can either make it at home or buy it from a trusted source. Soaking store-bought paneer in warm water for a few minutes can make it softer.
Marination: Marinate the paneer in yogurt, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. This step adds flavor to the paneer and keeps it tender.
Frying Paneer (optional): Shallow-frying the marinated paneer in a little oil until it’s golden brown adds a nice texture and flavor. It’s an optional step, but it enhances the dish.
Cashew Paste: Ensure your cashew paste is smooth and creamy. You can soak cashews in warm water before blending to make it easier.
Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Some like a slightly sweet Shahi Paneer, while others prefer it without any sweetness. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Cream: Use fresh cream or heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture. You can also substitute with milk, but the creamier, the better.
Spices: Balance the spice levels according to your preference. Shahi Paneer should be mildly spicy, so adjust the chili powder and garam masala accordingly.
Consistency: Adjust the gravy’s consistency by adding water or milk. It should be neither too thick nor too thin.
Garnish: Fresh coriander leaves are a classic garnish for Shahi Paneer. It adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Serve Hot: Shahi Paneer tastes best when served hot. Reheat it gently if you need to serve it later.
Accompaniments: It pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Consider serving it with some Indian bread for a complete meal.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like saffron, almond paste, or raisins for added richness and flavor.
By following these tips and tricks, you can master the art of making delicious Shahi Paneer that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece!
Nutrition Facts
Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a luxurious tomato-based gravy, enriched with cream and aromatic spices. Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition content for a typical serving of Shahi Paneer:
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 150-200 grams)
Calories
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-400 calories
Macronutrients
- Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams (varies based on recipe)
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 4-6 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-8 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Sodium: Approximately 400-600 milligrams (varies based on seasoning)
- Potassium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams
- Calcium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 1-2 milligrams
Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific recipe, the type and amount of cream or ghee used, and the spices and seasonings included in the Shahi Paneer. The dish is known for its rich and creamy texture, which contributes to its calorie and fat content.
If you have a specific Shahi Paneer recipe in mind or are using a particular product, it’s best to refer to the nutrition label if available or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
