Shahi Paneer is a staple North Indian recipe, popularly loved by vegetarian Punjabis. This version uses a rich blend of spices and creamy paneer to create a delicious dish.

Shahi Paneer recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Whole Spices and Cashews

  • desi ghee
    desi ghee
    2tbsp
  • bay leaves
    bay leaves
    2piece
  • cloves
    cloves
    6piece
  • black peppercorns
    black peppercorns
    15piece
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • black cardamom
    black cardamom
    1piece
  • green cardamom
    green cardamom
    4piece
  • cashews
    cashews
    12piece

Masala Ingredients

  • ginger
    ginger
    2in
  • garlic pod
    garlic pod
    1piece
  • green chillies
    green chillies
    2piece
  • medium onions, roughly chopped
    medium onions, roughly chopped
    3piece
  • medium tomatoes, chopped
    medium tomatoes, chopped
    4piece
  • Kashmiri red chillies
    Kashmiri red chillies
    4piece
  • water
    water
    1cup
  • salt
    salt
    1 1/2tsp
  • red chilli powder
    red chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • Kashmiri mirch powder
    Kashmiri mirch powder
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • water
    water
    1/2cup

Final Ingredients

  • ghee
    ghee
    1tsp
  • butter
    butter
    2tbsp
  • ginger, sliced
    ginger, sliced
    1in
  • green chillies
    green chillies
    2piece
  • kasoori methi
    kasoori methi
    1tsp
  • Kashmiri mirch powder
    Kashmiri mirch powder
    1/2tsp
  • paneer, cubed
    paneer, cubed
    300g
  • kasoori methi
    kasoori methi
    1tsp
  • fresh cream
    fresh cream
    1tbsp

How to make Shahi Paneer

Prepare Whole Spices and Cashews

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee in a heavy-bottom pan. Add bay leaves, cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, black cardamom, green cardamoms, and cashews. Sauté until fragrant.

Prepare Masala

  1. Step 1

    Add ginger, garlic, green chillies, onions, tomatoes, and Kashmiri red chillies to the pan with the whole spices and cashews.

  2. Step 2

    Add 1 cup of water and cook for 5 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add salt, red chilli powder, Kashmiri mirch powder, garam masala, sugar, and turmeric powder. Cook for another minute and remove from flame.

  4. Step 4

    Allow the mixture to cool, then grind it into a paste. Strain the paste, adding 1/2 cup of water to help with straining.

Cook Shahi Paneer

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee and butter in a pan. Add sliced ginger and green chillies.

  2. Step 2

    Add the strained masala puree, kasoori methi, and Kashmiri mirch powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add the cubed paneer and cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add kasoori methi and fresh cream. Stir well and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

288.3kcal (14.42%)

Protein

8.2g (16.34%)

Carbs

15.0g (5.45%)

Sugars

2.7g (5.34%)

Healthy Fat

8.4g

Unhealthy Fat

13.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a richer flavor, use fresh paneer.

  2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

FAQS

  1. What is the cooking process for making Shahi Paneer?

    To make Shahi Paneer, start by heating desi ghee in a heavy-bottom pan and sauté whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom until fragrant. Then, add ginger, garlic, green chillies, onions, and tomatoes, cooking them for about 5 minutes with water. After that, mix in spices such as salt, red chilli powder, and garam masala, and let it cool before grinding into a paste. Strain the paste, then cook it again with ghee and butter, adding paneer and fresh cream before serving.

  2. Is Shahi Paneer suitable for a vegetarian diet?

    Yes, Shahi Paneer is a vegetarian dish, making it perfect for those following a vegetarian diet. It features paneer, which is a great source of protein, along with a variety of spices and vegetables that enhance its flavor and nutritional value.

  3. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Shahi Paneer?

    If you don't have paneer, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegan option. For ghee, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil. If you can't find Kashmiri red chillies, regular red chillies can work, but adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Additionally, you can replace fresh cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

  4. How should I store leftover Shahi Paneer?

    Leftover Shahi Paneer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.

  5. What dishes pair well with Shahi Paneer?

    Shahi Paneer pairs wonderfully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes well with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber raita or a simple salad.

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Preeti Kalia

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