How to make shahi paneer

Shahi Paneer Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shahi Paneer is a rich, creamy dish from North India that reflects the royal culinary traditions of Mughlai cuisine. The name “Shahi” means royal, and this dish is indeed fit for a king! Made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a luscious gravy enriched with nuts and spices, Shahi Paneer is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner. This detailed guide will take you through every step of the process, ensuring you create a delightful dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Paneer:

• 250 grams paneer: Fresh, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil: For frying

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium onion: Finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes: Pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup cashews: Soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes
• 1/4 cup almonds: Soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the dish
• 1/2 cup milk: For a creamy texture
• 2 tablespoons yogurt: (optional) for tanginess
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil: For cooking the gravy
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1-2 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder: Adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt: To taste
• Fresh coriander leaves: For garnish

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Frying pan or kadai
• Blender or food processor
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

1. Fry the Paneer:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Once hot, add the paneer cubes and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Remove the fried paneer from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Nut Paste

1. Blend the Nuts:
   • Drain the soaked cashews and almonds.
   • In a blender, add the nuts along with a little water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Set this aside; it will be a key component of the gravy.

Step 3: Cook the Gravy

1. Sauté Whole Spices:
   • In the same pan used for frying the shahi paneer, add another 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil.
   • Add the cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Onions:
   • Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
   • Once the onions are golden, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Incorporate Tomato Puree:
   • Add the tomato puree and cook the mixture on medium heat. Stir frequently until the oil starts separating from the mixture. This indicates that the tomatoes are well-cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Spices and Nut Paste

1. Season the Gravy:
   • Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to the cooked tomato mixture. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the spices.
2. Add Nut Paste:
   • Incorporate the prepared nut paste into the mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes. This will thicken the gravy and add a rich flavor.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

1. Add Cream and Milk:
   • Reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. This will give the gravy a silky texture.
2. Optional Yogurt:
   • If you choose to add yogurt for a hint of tanginess, do it at this stage. Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
3. Season Again:
   • Add garam masala, adjusting the salt if necessary. Allow the gravy to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine Paneer with Gravy

1. Add Fried Paneer:
   • Gently add the fried shahi paneer cubes to the gravy. Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the rich sauce without breaking the pieces.
2. Simmer:
   • Allow the dish to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the paneer absorb the flavors of the gravy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Turn off the heat and garnish the Shahi Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves. For a touch of elegance, you can drizzle a little extra cream on top.
2. Serving Suggestions:
   • Shahi Paneer pairs beautifully with various Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also complements fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice.

Tips for the Perfect Shahi Paneer

• Quality Paneer: Using fresh paneer enhances the dish’s flavor. If you can, make homemade paneer by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
• Soaking Nuts: Soaking nuts softens them, making them easier to blend into a creamy paste.
• Spice Control: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice tolerance.
• Creaminess: For an even richer taste, you can add more cream or a touch of butter at the end.
• Vegan Option: Substitute paneer with tofu and use coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 25g

Variations of Shahi Paneer

• Methi Shahi Paneer: Add a handful of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) towards the end for an herbal note.
• Palak Shahi Paneer: Blend blanched spinach into the nut paste for a vibrant green gravy.
• Kashmiri Shahi Paneer: Incorporate saffron strands soaked in warm milk for a luxurious touch.

Conclusion

Shahi Paneer is a splendid dish that beautifully combines the flavors and textures of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe will surely impress. With its rich gravy and soft paneer, every bite feels indulgent. Follow this comprehensive guide, and you’ll create a dish that is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Enjoy your culinary journey and savor the royal flavors of Shahi Paneer!