Shahi Paneer Recipe - A Majestic Feast for Your Taste Buds

Introduction: 

Shahi Paneer, a dish fit for royalty, is a creamy and decadent Indian curry that celebrates the richness of Indian cuisine. Made with succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a luscious, flavorful gravy, this dish is a favorite at festive gatherings and special occasions. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own regal Shahi Paneer at home.

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Ingredients:

For the Paneer:

250g paneer, cut into cubes

1/2 cup yogurt, whisked

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup tomatoes, pureed

1/2 cup cashews, soaked in warm water

1/4 cup melon seeds

1/4 cup desiccated coconut

2 tablespoons ghee or oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 green cardamom pods

2 cloves

1-inch cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinating the Paneer:

In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt.

Add paneer cubes and coat them evenly with the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Nut Paste:

Grind soaked cashews, melon seeds, and desiccated coconut into a smooth paste. Set aside.

Cooking the Paneer:

Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add marinated paneer cubes and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Making the Gravy:

In the same pan, add more ghee if needed. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.

Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.

Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

Adding the Nut Paste:

Introduce the prepared nut paste to the gravy. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.

Seasoning:

Add red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Incorporating Paneer:

Gently add the sautéed paneer cubes to the gravy. Allow them to simmer in the flavorful mixture for a few minutes.

Finishing Touch:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the Shahi Paneer simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the opulence of Shahi Paneer, a dish that combines the creaminess of paneer with the royal flavors of a decadent gravy. Elevate your culinary skills and treat your loved ones to a taste of regality with this classic Indian recipe.