Shahi Paneer: A Royal Treat

Shahi paneer is a very popular paneer recipe in North India. As the name suggests, shahi paneer is a royal and festive dish which is creamy and rich in flavour. It is a perfect recipe if you have some special guests coming in. They are bound to fall for this extremely delectable dish.

The key ingredients in this recipe of shahi paneer is cashew and cream. This recipe is prepared in a number of different ways. In some versions of this recipe, the gravy contains tomatoes which adds a little colour to the curry while in others the gravy is completely white in colour made with milk or yogurt. Both versions of the recipe contain very less amount of spices and is simply mouthwatering.

So if you want to give a royal treat to your guests or family then check out this delicious recipe of shahi paneer.

Serves: 3-4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• Paneer (cottage cheese)- 200 gms
• Onion- 2 (for paste)
• Green chilli- 1
• Ginger-garlic paste- 1tsp
• Cashew nuts- 6-7
• Plain curd/yogurt- ½ cup (whisked)
• Fresh cream- 3tbsp
• White pepper powder- 1tsp
• Coriander powder- ½ tsp
• Garam masala powder- 1tsp
• Cardamom powder- a pinch
• Salt- as per taste
• Cloves- 4
• Cinnamon- 1 inch stick
• Bay leaf- 1
• Oil- 1tsp
• Water- 2cups

Procedure

1. Peel the onion, cut into 4 pieces and boil it in a vessel with a cup of water for 5 minutes.
2. After it cools, drain the water and grind it along with the green chilly into a fine paste.
3. Soak the cashew nuts in water for 10 minutes and then grind them into a fine paste.
4. Cut paneer into cubes and keep it aside.
5. Heat oil in a pan and add cinnamon, bay leaf and cloves. Saute for a few seconds.
6. Now add the onion paste and fry for 2 minutes. The onions need not change colour.
7. Now add ginger-garlic paste, cashew nut paste and saute for 2 minutes.
8. Add white pepper powder, coriander powder and a little water. Cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
9. Add yogurt and cook for 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
10. Now add the paneer cubes, salt, a cup of water and garam masala powder.
11. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
12. Now add cardamom powder and fresh cream.
13. Remove from flame and serve.

Shahi paneer is ready to be served. Relish this royal treat with pulao or roti.