Shahi Paneer is a regal North Indian delicacy that literally means “Royal Cottage Cheese.” It’s a rich, creamy, and aromatic curry made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cashew nuts, cream, and a blend of Mughlai spices.
Perfect for special occasions and festive dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with naan, paratha, or jeera rice.
🌟 IntroductionShahi Paneer is a regal North Indian delicacy that literally means “Royal Cottage Cheese.” It’s a rich, creamy, and aromatic curry made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cashew nuts, cream, and a blend of Mughlai spices.Perfect for special occasions and festive dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with naan, paratha, or jeera rice.
Servings: 4
Cost: 200
Ingredients
For the Base Gravy:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion roughly chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 10 –12 cashew nuts
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 bay leaf
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
- 3 –4 cloves
- 1 –2 green chilies optional
Spices & Dairy:
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kasuri methi dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cream
- 250 grams paneer cut into cubes
- ½ cup milk or water as needed
- Chopped coriander for garnish
Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add tomatoes, cashews, and cook till soft.
- Let it cool, then blend into a smooth paste.
🔸 Step 2: Cook the Masala
- In another pan, heat remaining oil, butter, and add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Add the onion-tomato-cashew paste. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
🔸 Step 3: Add Spices & Paneer
- Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and garam masala.
- Mix well and cook till oil separates.
- Add cream and milk to adjust the consistency.
- Add paneer cubes and cook on low flame for 5–7 minutes.
- Add crushed kasuri methi and gently mix.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with butter naan, lachha paratha, tandoori roti, or steamed rice.
- Garnish with a swirl of cream and fresh coriander leaves.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Soak paneer in warm water for 10 mins to keep it soft.
- Adjust cream quantity for lighter or richer versions.
- Cashews can be substituted with almonds for variation.