When it comes to making Shahi Paneer, there are many variations of the recipe. Some people like to make it with cashew paste, while others prefer using almonds. The choice of spices also varies from person to person, with some opting for a milder flavor and others going for a spicier kick.
To make a delicious Shahi Paneer, start by heating ghee (clarified butter) in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Next, add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Now, it’s time to add the key ingredients that give Shahi Paneer its rich and creamy texture. Add tomato puree and cook until the ghee starts to separate from the sides of the pan. This will intensify the flavors and give the gravy a beautiful color.
Once the tomato puree is cooked, it’s time to add the spices. The most common spices used in Shahi Paneer are red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and a pinch of saffron. These spices not only add a burst of flavor but also give the dish its signature vibrant color.
After adding the spices, it’s time to add the star ingredient – paneer. Cut the paneer into cubes or triangles and gently add them to the gravy. Be careful not to break the paneer while stirring. Let the paneer cook in the gravy for a few minutes, allowing it to absorb all the flavors.
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your Shahi Paneer. Add a generous amount of fresh cream and mix well. This will give the dish its creamy and luscious texture. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves and a sprinkle of crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for added aroma.
Serve your homemade Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. The creamy and aromatic flavors of this dish will surely leave you wanting more. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking to explore the world of Indian cuisine, Shahi Paneer is a must-try recipe that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. This recipe is for a delicious and creamy paneer curry that will leave you wanting more. The combination of paneer, tomatoes, and cashew nuts creates a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect to serve with rice or naan bread.
To start, heat the ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown. This will take around 5-6 minutes. Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.
Now it’s time to add the pureed tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are well cooked and the mixture starts to thicken. At this point, add the soaked cashew nuts along with the water they were soaked in. This will add a creamy texture to the curry.
Lower the heat and let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. In the meantime, prepare the spice mix by combining turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
After the curry has simmered, add the spice mix to the pan and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors. Now, it’s time to add the paneer cubes to the curry. Gently stir them in, making sure they are coated with the sauce.
To enhance the creaminess of the curry, add the milk and fresh cream. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This will help the paneer absorb the flavors of the curry and become tender. Finally, crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry. This will add a subtle and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Give the curry a final stir, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Enjoy the creamy and flavorful paneer curry with your loved ones, and savor every bite of this delectable dish.
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the chopped onions. Saute until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Now, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- In a blender, grind the soaked cashew nuts with milk to make a smooth paste.
- Add the cashew nut paste to the pan and cook for a few minutes.
- Next, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Add a little water if the gravy is too thick and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Now, gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish.
- Finally, add the fresh cream and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Your delicious Shahi Paneer is ready to be served!
Shahi Paneer is a popular Indian dish that is known for its rich and creamy texture. It is a vegetarian dish that is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a flavorful gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish gets its name “Shahi,” which means “royal,” because it was traditionally served to royalty in the Mughal era.
To make Shahi Paneer, start by heating ghee in a pan and sautéing chopped onions until they turn golden brown. Then, add ginger-garlic paste and cook it for a minute to enhance the flavors. Next, add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates, which indicates that the tomatoes are well cooked.
In a blender, grind soaked cashew nuts with milk to make a smooth paste. This paste adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dish. Add the cashew nut paste to the pan and cook it for a few minutes to incorporate the flavors.
Now, it’s time to add the spices. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix everything well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and cook them for another 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the paneer as it can become tough. Crush kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish. This adds a unique aroma and flavor to the Shahi Paneer.
To finish off the dish, add fresh cream and give it a gentle stir. The cream adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the gravy. Garnish the Shahi Paneer with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of freshness and color.
Serve the Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice. The creamy and flavorful gravy paired with the soft and succulent paneer cubes make this dish a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Enjoy the royal flavors of Shahi Paneer!
Serving Suggestions:
Shahi Paneer goes well with naan, roti, or rice. You can also serve it with jeera rice or pulao for a complete meal. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber raita or a side of salad to balance the flavors.
To enhance the dining experience, consider garnishing the Shahi Paneer with some finely chopped fresh coriander leaves or a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. This will not only add a pop of color but also bring out the aromatic flavors of the dish.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can serve the Shahi Paneer with some pickled onions or a tangy mango chutney. The combination of the creamy paneer and the tangy condiments will create a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth.
For a more indulgent twist, you can serve the Shahi Paneer with a side of butter naan or garlic naan. The soft and buttery naan will complement the rich and creamy texture of the Shahi Paneer, making it a truly satisfying meal.
If you are looking to add some variety to your meal, you can also serve the Shahi Paneer alongside some vegetable biryani or aloo paratha. The combination of the fragrant biryani or the flaky paratha with the creamy Shahi Paneer will create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
To make the meal even more wholesome, you can serve the Shahi Paneer with a side of mixed vegetable salad or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad. The crisp and crunchy vegetables will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy paneer, making it a balanced and nutritious meal option.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Shahi Paneer is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you prefer it with bread, rice, or salads, the rich and flavorful Shahi Paneer will always be the star of the show. So go ahead and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your perfect combination.
Tips:
- To make the paneer softer, soak it in warm water for 15-20 minutes before using.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add green chilies or increase the quantity of red chili powder.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute fresh cream with yogurt or low-fat cream.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like capsicum or peas to enhance the dish.
- For a vegan version, you can replace paneer with tofu and use oil instead of ghee.
- Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or garam masala to give the dish a unique flavor.
- If you want to make the dish more filling, you can add boiled potatoes or chickpeas.
- To add a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the paneer tikka before serving.
- If you’re serving the paneer tikka as an appetizer, you can skewer the paneer cubes with colorful bell peppers and onions for a visually appealing presentation.
- If you’re short on time, you can marinate the paneer in advance and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- For a smoky flavor, you can grill the paneer tikka on a charcoal grill or use a stovetop grill pan.
- Make sure to use fresh and high-quality paneer for the best results.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different marinades and seasonings to customize the paneer tikka according to your taste preferences.
- Consider serving the paneer tikka with mint chutney or tangy tamarind chutney for a burst of flavors.
- If you’re planning to serve the paneer tikka as a main course, you can pair it with fragrant basmati rice or butter naan for a complete meal.
These tips will help you elevate your paneer tikka game and create a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!
