Shahi Paneer Recipe
Shahi Paneer Recipe A rich, creamy, and mildly spiced paneer curry made with nuts, aromatic spices, and a luxurious gravy. This dish is perfect for special occasions and pairs well with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
Ingredients
For the Base Paste (Shahi Gravy)
- 15 cashews (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes)
- 8 almonds (optional, soaked & peeled)
- 2 tablespoons melon seeds (magaz, optional)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies (adjust to spice preference)
For the Curry
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 200g paneer (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon rose water or kewra water (for a royal touch)
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shahi Base Paste
- In a pan, add 1 cup water, then boil cashews, almonds (optional), melon seeds, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Let it cool, then blend into a smooth, creamy paste.
Step 2: Cook the Curry
- Heat ghee and oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add bay leaf, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin seeds; sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add the prepared paste and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oil starts separating.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
- Pour in milk and stir well to create a rich, smooth base.
Step 3: Add Paneer & Final Touches
- Add paneer cubes and mix gently.
- Stir in fresh cream, sugar (optional), and kasuri methi. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add rose water or kewra water for an authentic royal aroma.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Shahi Paneer with butter naan, garlic naan, paratha, jeera rice, or pulao.
- Pair with a refreshing side like cucumber raita or onion salad.
Pro Tips for Authentic Taste
✔ For an extra rich texture, fry paneer lightly in ghee before adding it to the curry.
✔ For a restaurant-style flavor, add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk.
✔ Avoid overcooking paneer, or it will become chewy; just simmer it gently for 2 minutes.
Would you like any variations, such as a no-onion, no-garlic version? 😊
