Shahi Paneer Recipe: A Royal Indian Delight
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? If you enjoyed this post, leave a comment below! Want more delicious