Shahi Paneer is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, known for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. The word "Shahi," perfectly reflects this superb dish, making it ideal for special occasions. The smooth sauce and soft paneer make it a treat for the taste buds.
Shahi Paneer is a delightful treasure of North Indian cuisine. It features a creamy, rich gravy that is packed with flavors. This Mughlai classic has been enjoyed for centuries and is now ready for your kitchen.
If you love Indian food or bold flavors, finding the perfect Shahi Paneer recipe is exciting. It's like opening a treasure box of spices and comfort. Try this recipe; it will surely become your new favorite paneer dish.
What Makes It “Shahi”?
The word “Shahi” means royal in Persian. This dish is fit for a king. It's made with soft paneer, cream, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Nuts like cashews add a royal touch.
Think of Shahi Paneer as the Indian version of a rich cheese dish. But it's way more exciting.
Prep & Cook Time Required:
🕒 Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Chopping onions and tomatoes
- Soaking and blending cashews/almonds
- Cutting paneer into cubes
🔥 Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
- Sautéing onions, cooking the gravy
- Blending and simmering with cream and spices
- Adding paneer and finishing touches
⏱️ Total Time: ~35–45 minutes
It’s a quick royal treat, especially once you get the hang of it!
Shahi Paneer Recipe Ingredients
Making Shahi Paneer at home is rewarding. Also, you can adjust the flavors to better suit your preferences. Here's a simple recipe that captures traditional Indian flavors
Main Ingredients:
- 6 Oz or 170 Grams Paneer, cubed or triangular cut
- 2-3 tablespoons ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1 Red onion, roughly chopped (1 cup)
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- ½ inch ginger, peeled and chopped
- 7-8 cashew nuts
- ½ cup fresh cream or Malai
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 Cup water
- 6-7 saffron threads
- 2-3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
Whole Spices:
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 1 black cardamom pod
- ½ inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 4-5 black pepper corns
Ground Spices:
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shahi Paneer
Here's a step-by-step guide to making Shahi Paneer. We'll focus on a Punjabi or North Indian style to make a rich, creamy, and flavorful gravy.
Instructions:
Preparation:- Soak the cashews in ¼ cup of hot water for about 15 minutes.
- Blend the soaked cashews into a smooth paste and set aside.
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the whole spices: bay leaf, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper corns. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add chopped green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Allow the cooked mixture to cool slightly, then blend it into a smooth paste.
- Return the blended paste to the pan.
- Add the cashew paste, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cream, kasuri methi, and sugar. Mix well.
- Gently add the paneer cubes and mix until they are well-coated with the gravy.
- Add saffron threads and simmer the gravy for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Punjabi Garam Masala and finely chopped cilantro.
Serving:
Serve hot with butter naan, roti, or rice. This recipe will give you a rich and flavorful shahi paneer that balances the creaminess of the gravy with the aromatic spices. Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips:
- Use homemade paneer if possible — it's softer and fresher.
- For an extra-rich version, stir in a spoonful of ghee right before serving.
- Serve hot with naan, paratha, or jeera rice for the full experience.
Final Thoughts
Shahi Paneer isn’t just a recipe — it’s an experience. From the fragrance of spices to the creamy texture of the gravy, every bite transports you to a royal Indian kitchen. It’s a must-try for food lovers and one of those timeless dishes you’ll keep coming back to.
FAQs
Can Shahi Paneer be made vegan?
Yes, it can be adapted for a vegan diet by substituting paneer with tofu and using plant-based cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream.
What are the best pairings with Shahi Paneer?
It is best served with Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha, or with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice to complement its rich and creamy texture.
Is Shahi Paneer suitable for special occasions?
Yes, due to its rich and indulgent nature, it is often served during special occasions, festivals, and gatherings, making it a popular choice.
