Shahi Paneer Recipe – A Royal North Indian Delight
Shahi Paneer, a regal dish from North India, is a rich and flavorful curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy, aromatic sauce. The perfect blend of spices, herbs, and creamy texture makes this dish a true indulgence, ideal for special occasions or a hearty family meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a unique combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Paneer (cubed) | 250 grams |
| Green chili (slit) | 1 |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Fresh cream | 3/4 cup |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder (jeera powder) | 1 tsp |
| Cardamom powder (elaichi) | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/2 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh coriander (dhaniya) | For garnish |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base
In a large, deep pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter. This will release their essential oils, giving a rich aroma to the dish. -
-
Cook the Onions and Green Chili
Add the finely chopped onion and slit green chili to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning. -
Add Spices and Tomato Puree
Once the onions are soft, add the tomato puree to the pan along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and cardamom powder. Stir the mixture well, cooking it for 5-6 minutes until the oil starts separating from the masala (spice paste). -
Add Fresh Cream
Now, add the fresh cream to the pan, stirring continuously to combine it with the tomato-spice mixture. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. -
Add the Paneer
Gently add the paneer cubes into the gravy and stir to coat them well with the creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak in the flavors of the gravy. -
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish the Shahi Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Paneer pairs beautifully with traditional Indian accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve it with:
- Garlic Dal: A flavorful, spiced lentil curry to balance the richness of the Shahi Paneer.
- Palak Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish with spinach to cool the palate.
- Jeera Rice: Fragrant cumin rice to complement the creamy curry.
- Soft Phulkas: Light, fluffy Indian flatbreads perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Vitamin A | 14% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 7% of daily value |
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Version: For a spicier dish, add more green chilies or increase the quantity of red chili powder.
- Vegan Option: You can replace paneer with tofu and use coconut cream in place of dairy cream for a vegan version of this recipe.
- Extra Richness: To make the dish even richer, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste or melon seeds paste to the gravy before adding the cream.
Shahi Paneer is a comforting, royal dish that can be made quickly and easily at home. Its creamy texture and delicate balance of spices will elevate any meal, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a festive celebration. Enjoy this rich delicacy with your loved ones, and experience the true flavors of North India right in your kitchen.
