How to Make Shahi Paneer: A Royal Delight for Your Taste Buds

Shahi Paneer is a regal North Indian dish that translates to "Royal Cottage Cheese." This delectable recipe is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors, making it a perfect main course for special occasions and festive gatherings. 

Whether you're cooking for friends, and family, or simply treating yourself, Shahi Paneer will elevate your culinary repertoire. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting this sumptuous dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make Shahi Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water and ground to a paste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Paneer

Could you start by cutting the paneer into bite-sized cubes? If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak the paneer cubes in warm water for about 15 minutes and then drain them before cooking.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat the ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté these whole spices for a minute until they release their fragrant aromas. Next, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. This process will take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Creating the Base Sauce

Add the ginger-garlic paste to the sautéed onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then, pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cashew nut paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Mix well to combine all the spices and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Add the paneer cubes to the sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Pour in the heavy cream and a little water if the gravy seems too thick. Season with salt to taste and let the Shahi Paneer simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Once the Shahi Paneer is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh coriander leaves. For an extra touch of luxury, you can also sprinkle a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk over the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Shahi Paneer pairs wonderfully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes well with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and a side of yogurt or raita.

Conclusion

Shahi Paneer is a dish that truly lives up to its royal name, offering a rich and indulgent experience with every bite. By following this recipe, you can bring the essence of Indian royalty to your dining table and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!