Restaurant Style Shahi Paneer Recipe | High Protein Curry

Nov 25, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Nov 29, 2023

Indulge in the regal richness of Shahi Paneer, a Mughlai masterpiece that's not just a dish, but a culinary celebration fit for royalty. Imagine fresh, unmelting cheese gracefully dancing in a creamy gravy, ready to charm your taste buds when paired with warm naan or fluffy roti. "Shahi" means "royalty," and let me assure you, this dish lives up to the royal title. So, what are you waiting for? Let's make this scrumptious delight fit for a king and bring it straight to your dinner table tonight. Treat yourself – you deserve it!

About Shahi Paneer

Now, let's unravel the magic behind Shahi Paneer. It's essentially "royal paneer," a rich and creamy curry crafted with a symphony of nuts, onions, yogurt, and spices. Paneer, the star of the show, is this fantastic fresh cheese that doesn't melt, giving the dish a texture akin to tofu but with its own delightful twist.

My take on Shahi Paneer skips the tomatoes and butter, opting for a lighter version with the magic touch of yogurt. Picture a fragrant gravy infused with the aromas of onion, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, saffron, and cardamom, all harmonized by thick, creamy yogurt. It's the perfect dish for those special occasions that call for a touch of elegance.

In times where comfort foods reign supreme, Shahi Paneer steps up to fill your bellies and warm your souls. This dish is like a culinary hug, providing the warmth and satisfaction we all crave. Now, let's talk serving – roti, naan, or paratha, take your pick. Pair it with rice delights like cumin rice, veg pulao, or ghee rice – the possibilities are endless.

Variations that you can try

And for those wondering about tweaks and substitutes, I've got you covered. No onions and garlic? You can, but note that it'll change the flavor. Low-fat yogurt? Stick to whole milk dairy for that creamy consistency. Vegan vibes? Tofu and cashew or coconut yogurt are your pals here. Thinking of making it richer? Go ahead, add more cream or embrace the buttery goodness. Missing tomatoes? Swap yogurt for tomato puree, but balance with a touch of cream. Vegans, go for tofu and cashew yogurt, but steer clear of soy or peanut yogurt.

Remember, freshness is key. Nuts, seeds, and yogurt – keep them fresh. Adjust the gravy's consistency to your liking, and choose your favorite fat – neutral oil, butter, or ghee, depending on your mood.

So, are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a plateful of Shahi Paneer? Let's get cooking and savor the royal flavors! 👑🍛

Ingredients

Paneer - 250 gm
Onion - 1 big size
Tomato - 2
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Cardamom - 2 pods
Cinnamon -1 piece
Bay leaf -1
Cumin seed - ¼ tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Chili powder - ½ tsp
Garam masala - ¼ tsp
Cashews - 10 gm
Fresh cream - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Sugar - 1/4 tsp
Kasuri Methi - 1/2 tsp
Oil 2 tbsp

Method for Preparing Shahi Paneer

1. Take a pan and add oil , cumin seed and cardamom.

2. When it splutter’s add onion and sauté it for 1 minute.

3. Add ginger, garlic paste, 1/4 tsp salt and sauté it till it gets golden brown.

4. Add turmeric, coriander powder and cashews. Sauté it for 1 minute.

5. Add tomato, chili powder and remaining salt. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer in low flame for 5 minutes.

6. When the oil oozes out from the pan transfer it to a blender and grind it to a smooth paste.

7. In a pan add 1 tsp oil and then add the grounded paste in the pan and stir it well.

8. Add water, cubed paneer, crushed kasuri methi and garam masala. Let it simmer in low flame for 3 minutes. Stir the mixture once every minute so that the mixer does’t get stick in the bottom of the pan.