A Taste of Tradition – Our Story Behind This Dish
Shahi Paneer has always held a special place in my heart. It was the star dish at every family celebration and the one recipe that my grandmother guarded like a treasure. Her version was not just food — it was emotion, memory, and culture in every bite.
Today, I’m sharing that same recipe, with just a touch of modern flair, so you can recreate that same magic in your own kitchen.
🧀 What is Shahi Paneer?
The word “Shahi” means royal, and “Paneer” refers to Indian cottage cheese. So, Shahi Paneer is literally a “Royal Cottage Cheese Curry”, made with a luxurious gravy of cashews, tomatoes, fresh cream, and aromatic Indian spices. It’s a classic from the Mughlai cuisine and is known for its richness and creamy texture.
📝 Ingredients: (Serves 4)
To make this restaurant-style Shahi Paneer, you’ll need the following:
For the curry:
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 250 grams (cubed)
Onion – 2 medium (finely chopped)
Tomato – 3 medium (pureed)
Cashews – 15-20 (soaked in warm water and ground to a paste)
Fresh cream – 3 tablespoons
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
Green chili – 1 (finely chopped)
Ghee or oil – 2 tablespoons
Whole spices:
Bay leaf – 1
Green cardamom – 2
Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
Ground spices:
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) – 1 teaspoon (crushed)
Salt – to taste
🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe for Shahi Paneer:
Step 1: Preparing the base
Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté for 30 seconds till fragrant.
Now add chopped onions and cook on medium flame until golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili, and sauté till the raw smell disappears.
Step 2: Add tomato and cashew paste
Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Add the cashew paste and cook the mixture on medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until the oil starts separating from the masala.
Step 3: Spice it up
Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix and cook for 2-3 minutes so the spices blend well with the gravy.
Step 4: Add paneer and cream
Add the paneer cubes and 1 cup of water. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the paneer absorbs the flavors.
Now, stir in the fresh cream and mix gently to get that rich, creamy texture.
Step 5: The royal finish
Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Give a final gentle stir, and turn off the heat.
Your delicious, aromatic Shahi Paneer is ready to serve!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Shahi Paneer pairs beautifully with:
Butter naan or garlic naan
Tandoori roti
Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
Lachha paratha
Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream for a true restaurant-style presentation.
💡 Chef’s Tips:
Soak paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the gravy for a soft and melt-in-mouth texture.
Use fresh cream or malai for the best taste. You can also use full-fat milk in emergencies.
Always cook the tomato-cashew mixture well until oil separates. This ensures a rich and flavorful base.
Kasuri methi adds that unique restaurant-style aroma. Don’t skip it!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Shahi Paneer Recipe:
Easy to make at home with everyday ingredients
Perfect for special occasions and celebrations
A rich, flavorful curry that tastes just like a restaurant
Vegetarian and high in protein, especially great for those who don’t eat meat
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will always make you look like a masterchef!
🥣 Nurition Info (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 14g
Fats: 24g
(Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients.)
📍 Final Thoughts
Food is more than just fuel — it’s an experience. This Shahi Paneer is not just a dish, it’s a feeling that connects generations, cultures, and hearts. Every bite brings richness, flavor, and warmth to your table.
💬 Like This Recipe?
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