Do you often find yourself craving a rich and creamy Indian delicacy that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite? Look no further! Shahi Paneer, a classic dish hailing from the royal kitchens of India, is the epitome of indulgence and flavor. Made with succulent paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a luxurious, aromatic gravy, Shahi Paneer is sure to elevate any meal to a regal experience. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking Indian cuisine; with a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can master this dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
Recipe of Shahi Paneer
Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Now, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Blend the Cashew Nuts:
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashew nuts with a little water to form a smooth paste.
- Add this paste to the onion-tomato masala and mix well.
Spice it Up:
- Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to the gravy.
- Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of the spices disappears.
Add Paneer:
- Gently add the cubed paneer to the gravy and mix carefully to coat the paneer pieces with the masala.
Finish with Cream and Kasuri Methi:
- Pour fresh cream into the pan and mix it gently with the gravy.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish for an aromatic flavor.
Simmer and Serve:
- Let the Shahi Paneer simmer on low heat for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once done, garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Now, your homemade Shahi Paneer is ready to be served piping hot with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice. The velvety texture of the gravy combined with the softness of paneer creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Tips:
- To enhance the richness of the gravy, you can add a tablespoon of khoya (reduced milk solids) along with the cream.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder accordingly.
- For a healthier alternative, you can substitute cream with yogurt or cashew cream.
Conclusion
mastering the art of making Shahi Paneer at home is not as daunting as it seems. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in your kitchen, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey fit for royalty!
