Shahi Paneer

Shahi Paneer is a luxurious and creamy Indian curry featuring paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. This regal dish combines soft cubes of paneer with a velvety sauce made from a blend of tomatoes, onions, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream. The gravy is infused with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, imparting a royal essence to the dish. Shahi Paneer is known for its luscious texture, mild spiciness, and a hint of sweetness from the addition of cream and nuts. It’s a popular vegetarian choice often served on special occasions or as a delectable accompaniment to Indian breads like naan or chapati, offering a taste of indulgence in every bite.

Here’s a detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Gravy:

• 250 grams paneer, cubed
• 3-4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 8-10 cashew nuts
• 1 tablespoon melon seeds (magaz)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder (for color)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

For Paneer Marination (optional):

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Paneer Marination (Optional):

1. If desired, marinate the paneer cubes with red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside for 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but can add extra flavor to the paneer.

Gravy:

1. Preparing the Gravy:
   • Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
   • Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
2. Tomato Base:
   • Add the roughly chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and start breaking down.
3. Nuts and Seeds:
   • Add cashew nuts and melon seeds (magaz). Sauté for a couple of minutes.
4. Spice Blend:
   • Add Kashmiri red chili powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of the spices fades.
5. Blending the Gravy:
   • Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a blender and blend into a smooth paste. Add a little water if needed.
6. Finishing the Curry:
   • Heat the same pan, add a bit more oil or ghee if required. Pour the blended gravy back into the pan.
   • Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes. Add heavy cream and mix well.
7. Adding Paneer:
   • If marinated, lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Add the paneer cubes to the simmering gravy.
8. Simmering and Garnish:
   • Let everything cook together for a few more minutes on low heat. Adjust the consistency and seasoning as needed.
   • Garnish Shahi Paneer with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Shahi Paneer is often served with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
• It’s a luxurious and indulgent dish perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something rich and creamy.

Enjoy the creamy richness of Shahi Paneer, a beloved Indian delicacy!