When it comes to Indian cuisine, there’s a dish that stands out for its regal flavors and creamy richness – Shahi Paneer. The name “Shahi Paneer” itself translates to “Royal Paneer,” and it’s not hard to see why. This North Indian delicacy is a celebration of aromatic spices and luxurious ingredients that make it a delight for the senses. If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to a royal feast, this easy-to-follow Shahi Paneer recipe for four is just what you need.
What is Shahi Paneer?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what Shahi Paneer is. This dish has its roots in Mughlai cuisine, where opulence and grandeur were the order of the day. Mughal emperors were known for their lavish lifestyles, and their kitchens were no exception. Shahi Paneer is one of the many culinary treasures that emerged from this era, characterized by its use of rich ingredients and a meticulous cooking process.
Ingredients You'll Need for Shahi Paneer
Here’s a list of ingredients required to make Shahi Paneer for four people:
For the Paneer Marinade:
- 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes.
- 1/2 cup of thick yogurt.
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Salt to taste.
For the Shahi Paneer Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 1 cinnamon stick.
- 2-3 green cardamom pods.
- 2 cloves.
- 1/4 cup of cashews, soaked in warm water.
- 1/4 cup of almonds, soaked in warm water.
- 1/4 cup of melon seeds, soaked in warm water.
- 2 onions, finely chopped.
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala.
- 1/2 cup of fresh cream.
- 1/4 cup of milk.
- Salt to taste.
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped.
- Slivered almonds and cashews.
How to make Shahi Paneer:
Step 1: Marinating the Paneer
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the paneer cubes to the mixture and make sure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the paneer marinate for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Shahi Paneer Gravy
- In a pan, heat ghee or cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté them until their fragrance is released.
- Now, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Blend the soaked cashews, almonds, and melon seeds into a smooth paste with a little water. Add this paste to the pan and cook for a few more minutes, stirring continuously.
- Pour in the fresh cream and stir well to combine with the gravy.
- Add the milk and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Sprinkle in the garam masala and adjust the seasoning with salt according to your taste.
Step 3: Assembling Shahi Paneer
- Gently add the marinated paneer cubes to the gravy, taking care not to break them.
- Allow the Shahi Paneer to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the paneer absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.
- If the gravy thickens too much, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk or water.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
- Shahi Paneer is known for its royal appearance, so garnishing is key to enhancing its visual appeal.
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh coriander leaves over the dish.
- Top it off with slivered almonds and cashews for that extra touch of luxury.
Try It With
This creamy and indulgent Shahi Paneer is best enjoyed with Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha. The soft, creamy paneer and the aromatic gravy create a harmonious blend of flavors. It can also be served with steamed rice or pulao for a hearty meal that everyone will relish.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Shahi Paneer
- Use fresh, soft paneer for the best results. You can either make paneer at home or buy it from a trusted source.
- Soaking the nuts in warm water before blending them helps achieve a smooth paste, adding creaminess to the gravy.
- Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and garam masala to match your spice preferences. Shahi Paneer typically has a mild spiciness, but feel free to make it milder or spicier based on your taste.
- Be patient when cooking the gravy. The slow and steady process is essential for achieving the rich, creamy texture that defines Shahi Paneer.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can replace fresh cream with low-fat yogurt or cashew cream.
Variations
Shahi Paneer is a versatile dish with several regional variations and creative twists. Here are some to explore:
- Kaju: In this cashews take center stage, offering a creamier texture and a distinct cashew flavor.
- Badami: Almonds play a prominent role, giving the dish a unique nutty taste.
- Methi: Fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) are added, imparting a pleasant bitterness and aroma to the dish.
- Palak: Spinach puree is incorporated into the gravy, creating a vibrant green variation that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Vegetable : You can add a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers to create a hearty, vegetable-packed Shahi Paneer.
With this easy-to-follow Shahi Paneer recipe, you can bring the flavors of royal Indian cuisine to your kitchen and savor a truly regal meal with your loved ones. Enjoy!
