Go Back
Print Recipe

🌟 Introduction
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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Veg
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Punjabi Dish
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.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Dish

    ✅ Creamy and royal taste

      ✅ Mughlai-inspired flavors

        ✅ Ideal for festive meals or dinner parties

          ✅ Vegetarian and kid-friendly