How to Make Shahi Paneer at Home?

Shahi Paneer is a rich, creamy dish that originates from the kitchens of Mughal emperors. This regal dish, known for its incredible blend of spices, melt-in-mouth paneer (cottage cheese), and luscious creamy tomato gravy, is a favourite at dinner tables across the globe. But what makes Shahi Paneer so special, and how can you recreate this royal fare in your home?

We are about to embark on a culinary journey, unfolding the secrets of the Shahi Paneer ingredients, and guiding you step by step through the Shahi paneer recipe. You don’t have to be a professional chef to prepare this delectable dish; all you need is a love for good food, the right ingredients, and our easy-to-follow Shahi paneer recipe.

As with any dish, the secret to a perfect Shahi Paneer lies in its ingredients. The Shahi paneer ingredients are simple, yet when they meld together, they create an extraordinary fusion of flavours that will delight your taste buds.

• For a serving of 4, you will need:
• Paneer (Cottage Cheese) – 250 grams
• Tomatoes – 3, large, finely chopped
• Onions – 2, large, finely chopped
• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves
• Ginger – 1-inch piece
• Cashew nuts – 15 to 20 pieces
• Fresh cream – 1 cup
• Green chillies – 2
  Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to start creating your Shahi paneer masterpiece.

Now that we have gathered all our Shahi paneer ingredients, let’s embark on the main stage of our journey: the Shahi Paneer recipe itself. Here’s how to make Shahi paneer, step by step:

1. Preparing the Paneer: Cut the paneer into cube-shaped pieces. For an authentic touch, you can lightly fry the paneer in a tablespoon of oil until it’s golden brown. This step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer non-fried paneer.
2. Preparing the Gravy: In a pan, heat two tablespoons of oil. Add chopped onions, green chillies, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn a light golden colour. Now add chopped tomatoes, cashews, and all the spices except for the garam masala and kasuri methi. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. Let this mixture cool down, then blend it into a smooth paste in a blender. Sieve the mixture if you want a super-smooth texture for your gravy.
3. Cooking the Gravy: In the same pan, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the sieved paste and cook for about five minutes. Then add the garam masala and kasuri methi. Mix well and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala. You can add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking.
4. Adding the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the gravy and mix gently so that the paneer is well-coated with the gravy. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Finishing Touch: Finally, add the fresh cream and mix gently. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and your Shahi Paneer is ready to be served!

Pair this delectable Shahi paneer with naan, roti, or rice for a full meal. The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Shahi Paneer makes every meal a royal feast.

Now that you have learned the Shahi Paneer recipe, here are a few insider tips on how to make Shahi paneer perfectly:

• Quality of Paneer: The quality of paneer is crucial. Opt for fresh, soft paneer to get the best taste. If the paneer is hard, it will not absorb the flavours well and might ruin the overall experience.
• Cream and Butter: Shahi paneer is a rich dish. Using fresh cream and butter enhances the taste and gives it its characteristic richness.
• Spices: Do not skimp on the spices. They add depth and warmth to the dish. However, adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
• Slow Cooking: Cooking the gravy on a low flame after adding paneer enhances the flavours as the paneer absorbs the spices better.

By following these tips and tricks, you can elevate your Shahi Paneer from a good dish to an absolutely fantastic one!

Cooking is not just a mundane chore, but a joyous journey, especially when you’re preparing something as special as Shahi paneer. As you follow the Shahi paneer recipe, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a legacy of taste that dates back centuries. And the moment you taste the creamy, spicy, savoury Shahi Paneer you’ve prepared, you’ll know it’s been a journey worth embarking on.

Making Shahi Paneer at home is an experience like no other. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the vibrant colours in your pan, and the satisfaction you derive from creating something so delicious from scratch is incomparable. The ingredients are simple, the recipe straightforward, and the rewards immensely satisfying. So, why not try your hand at making Shahi Paneer today and experience the joy of creating this royal dish at home?

We hope you found our guide on how to make Shahi paneer helpful and inspiring. Here’s to many happy hours spent cooking and enjoying this royal delight!