Shahi Paneer: A Royal Delight from the Indian Cuisine

Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, cherished by people of all ages. Its mild flavor, versatile nature, and creamy texture make it particularly popular among children. Shahi Paneer is a special dish which you can prepare in a simple way.

Shahi Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that translates to “Royal Cottage Cheese.” As the name suggests, it is a rich and luxurious dish, often served during special occasions and festive gatherings. This creamy, flavorful curry is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a luscious gravy of nuts, cream, and aromatic spices.

If you want you can also add tofu in this recipe instead of paneer.

Ingredients:

• Paneer Cubes - 200 g.
• Fresh Curd - ½ cup (whisked nicely)
• Water - 1 ½ cup
• Red Chilli Powder - ½ tsp.
• Turmeric Powder - ¼ tsp.
• Dhania / Coriander Powder - 1 tsp.
• Garam Masala Powder - ½ tsp.
• Cumin Seeds - ½ tsp.
• Cardamom Powder - ¼ tsp.
• Crushed Saffron - a pinch
• Fresh Cream - 2 tbsp.
• Salt - as needed
• Oil or Ghee - 2 tbsp.
• Coriander Leaves - a handful (cut finely)

For Making Paste:

• Onion - 1 Medium (chopped)
• Almonds - 1 tbsp.
• Cashew Nuts - 2 tbsp.
• Garlic - 3 or 4
• Ginger - 1 inch

Method:

• In a pan, take water and boil onion, garlic, ginger, almonds and cashew nuts for 5 minutes till onions become soft.
• Strain the water and keep aside and let it cool down.
• Grind to a smooth paste by adding little strained water.
• In a pan heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds.
• When it splutters add the ground paste and keep in simmer and sauté till oil starts leaving the sides.
• Add the chilli powder, dhania powder, turmeric powder and garam masala powder and mix well till raw smell goes.
• Add the cardamom powder and crushed saffron and mix well.
• Add the fresh cream and mix well.
• Now add the paneer cubes and keep in simmer for 2 minutes so that the paneer gets cooked.
• Switch off the stove and garnish with cut coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rotis, nans, phulkas or jeera rice.