Easy Shahi Paneer Recipe (Restaurants Style)

Easy Shahi Paneer Recipe (Restaurants Style) A Delicious Treat for Your Taste Buds:

Shahi Paneer Recipe (Restaurants Style)

Shahi Paneer:

Shahi Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with cottage cheese, a creamy tomato-based gravy, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is known for its rich, creamy texture and flavourful taste, and it is served in Indian restaurants as a vegetarian option and is loved by many people. The word 'Shahi' means 'royal', and the dish is named after its regal and luxurious taste. It is a favorite among paneer lovers and is often served with naan, roti, or rice.

Shahi Paneer Recipe:

Many people shy away from making this dish at home, thinking it's too complicated. But with our easy shahi paneer recipe, you can make this dish effortlessly and impress your friends and family. So, let's get started.

Here is a detailed recipe for Shahi Paneer, a classic Indian dish that is rich and creamy:

Ingredients:

For the paneer:

• Paneer = 500grams (cut into cubes)
• Oil = 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds = 1 teaspoon
• Onion chopped = 1
• Ginger paste = 1 teaspoon
• Garlic paste = 1 teaspoon
• Green chilli chopped = 1
• Coriander powder = 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder = 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder = 1 teaspoon
• Salt = to taste

For the gravy:

• Oil = 2 tablespoons
• Bay leaves = 2
• Green cardamom pods = 2
• Cloves = 2
• Cinnamon stick = 1-inch
• Onion chopped = 1
• Ginger paste = 1 teaspoon
• Garlic paste = 1 teaspoon
• Tomatoes = 2 medium puree
• Red chilli powder = 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder = 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala powder = 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt = to taste
• Cream = 1/4 cup

Method of Preparation:

Take a pan and keep it on the stove heat the pan now add oil to the pan then add cumin seeds. Once they start crackling, add onion and fry until translucent.

Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chili. Fry for one to two minutes.

Now you add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well well.

Add paneer cubes and fry until golden brown. Remove and keep aside.

In the same pan, heat oil and add bay leaves, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Add onion and fry until translucent.

When onions are translucent add ginger paste, and garlic paste and fry both for one minute.

After one minute add tomato puree and cook more for 2-3 minutes.

After 3 minutes you can add red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add cream and mix well.

Add fried paneer cubes and mix gently.

Simmer for 5-6 minutes.

You can garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with your family.

Shahi Paneer

Difference Between Paneer and Shahi Paneer:

Paneer is a fresh cheese and this type of cheese is commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can be made it by curdling milk with some acidic agent, like lemon juice or vinegar, after that you can press the curds to remove the whey. Paneer is mild and has a firm texture, making it ideal for cooking in dishes like saag paneer, paneer tikka, and paneer bhurji.

While shahi paneer is a dish made with paneer as the main ingredient. It differs from paneer in terms of its preparation and flavor. Shahi paneer is a rich and creamy dish made with tomato gravy. a blend of some aromatic spices and add some cream or cashews for added richness. The dish has a regal and luxurious taste, which is why it is named "shahi," meaning "royal" in Hindi.

In short, paneer is a type of fresh cheese used in Indian cuisine, while shahi paneer is a dish made with paneer and a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy.

Is shahi paneer good for health?

Shahi paneer is a dish that is high in calories and fat due to its creamy gravy and use of cashews or cream. While it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it is not considered a particularly healthy dish.

Paneer is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to a vegetarian diet. Paneer is also low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index, which makes it a good option for those watching their blood sugar levels.

To make shahi paneer healthier, you can try using low-fat cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream, reducing the amount of oil used, and adding more vegetables to the dish. This can help to increase the nutritional value of the dish while still retaining its delicious taste.

Why is shahi paneer called Shahi?

Shahi paneer is called "shahi" because the term refers to something that is royal, regal, or luxurious. The dish is named so because of its rich and creamy texture, as well as its complex blend of aromatic spices that give it a distinct flavor. Shahi paneer was traditionally served to royalty in India, and the dish has remained a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations due to its indulgent taste.

Shahi paneer also features a tomato-based gravy made with a variety of spices and often includes cashews or cream for added richness. The combination of these ingredients gives the dish a luxurious and royal feel, which is why it is known as shahi paneer.

Tips for Making the Best Shahi Paneer:

When you make shahi paneer always use fresh paneer for the best taste.

If you fry the paneer cubes until they paneer cubes golden brown and give the paneer a crispy texture.

when you cook shahi paneer you can use a paste of aromatic spices for the perfect taste.

Always use fresh cream in the shahi paneer because it gives the dish a creamy texture and richness.

Serving Suggestions for Shahi Paneer:

You can serve Shahi paneer with a variety of Indian slices of bread, hot naan, roti, or rice.

Shahi paneer can also be served with plain steamed rice or fragrant biryani rice. 

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added extra flavor.

The fresh salad or raita (yogurt-based side dish) can complement the rich and creamy flavor of shahi paneer.

Shahi paneer

A good pair with a refreshing cucumber.

FAQs:

Q. Can I make this dish without cream?

A. Yes, you can make shahi paneer without cream. you can also use milk or yogurt instead of cream.

Q. Can I freeze this dish?

A. Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, the texture of the paneer may change slightly after freezing and reheating.

Q. How long does this dish stay fresh?

A. This dish stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

Making restaurant-style shahi paneer at home seems daunting, but with our easy recipe, you can make this delicious dish effortlessly. Follow our step-by-step guide and enjoy the creamy and flavourful shahi paneer at home. Don't forget to garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor. Serve it with naan, roti, or rice, and impress your guests with your culinary skills.