Shahi Paneer Recipe: If you’re craving a special dinner in the comfort of your home, look no further! The Classic Shahi Paneer is your ticket to an exquisite dining experience. Quick to prepare, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results. Dive into the heavenly blend of soft paneer cubes immersed in a rich, creamy gravy, perfect to pair with your favorite bread or rice. Your family is in for a treat with this divine vegetarian dish!
Crafting the Perfect
Shahi Paneer Gravy at Home
Learn the art of creating the delectable Shahi Paneer gravy with our easy-to-follow recipe. To enhance your cooking experience, watch the accompanying YouTube video linked below. This visual guide ensures you nail every step, creating a sumptuous dish that mirrors the finesse of restaurant cuisine. Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon for timely updates on all our mouth-watering recipes.
Unraveling the
Mystery of Shahi Paneer Recipe
Wondering what makes Shahi Paneer truly special? In the world of culinary delights, paneer is often referred to as “Indian cottage cheese.” Though a loose translation, it captures the essence of this versatile ingredient. Don’t be tempted to substitute it with actual cottage cheese, as the results might not be as expected.
Paneer, a fresh cheese, is a staple vegetarian protein in India. Produced from whole milk and a curdling agent, it undergoes a process resulting in chenna, a precursor to paneer. Check out our chenna recipe for alternative uses. Whether homemade or store-bought, paneer elevates your Shahi Paneer experience.
Shahi paneer, translating to “paneer for royalty,” hails from Mughlai cuisine, known for its rich, nut-infused dishes. Unlike the original Mughlai version with a white gravy, the modern Shahi Paneer found in restaurants boasts a vibrant orange hue, thanks to tomatoes and a blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients for an Authentic Restaurant-Style
Shahi Paneer Recipe
to make restaurant-style Shahi Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Paneer: Freshly made or packaged, cut into small rectangles.
- Nuts: A blend of cashews and almonds for richness.
- Ghee: For sautéing and an extra burst of flavor.
- Whole spices: Mace and green cardamom pods for aroma.
- Essentials: Ginger, garlic, and thinly sliced onions.
- Tomatoes: Passata or strained tomatoes for a vibrant color.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt for a thick and smooth gravy.
- Deggi Mirch: Adds a natural red color to the dish.
- Saffron: A little goes a long way to enhance flavor.
- Kasoori methi: For garnish and a finishing touch.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
- 10% Cream: For a velvety texture and vibrant orange color.
Here’s how you can craft the perfect
restaurant-style Shahi Paneer
- In a pan, heat some ghee and add whole spices such as mace and green cardamom pods. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add thinly sliced onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add passata or strained tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add plain yogurt, deggi mirch, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the soaked cashews and almonds along with some saffron. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the paneer and cook for a few minutes until it is heated through.
- Finally, add some 10% cream and kasoori methi. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
Your restaurant-style Shahi Paneer is now ready to be served! Enjoy the luxury of restaurant-style dining at home with this delicious and cost-effective recipe.
Creating the Perfect
Restaurant-Style Shahi Paneer Recipe
Sizzling Symphony: Infusing Aromatics into the Mix
As you set the stage, heat a pan and introduce the luxurious notes of ghee or butter. Strain the soaked cashews and almonds, and toss them into the pan with mace, green cardamoms, green chillies, and sliced onions. Let this aromatic symphony unfold for 10-15 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and onions are softened.
Sauce Alchemy: Crafting the Heart of Shahi Paneer
Elevate the essence by adding passata, salt, and deggi mirch to the mix. Stir with precision, ensuring the sauce thickens without a hint of burn. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk yogurt and integrate it into the sauce, creating a harmonious blend.
Silken Elegance: Perfecting the Paneer Gravy
Transform the concoction by pureeing it in a food processor until velvety smooth. Reintroduce this sauce to the pan, where the magic continues. Simmer gently, infuse with cream and saffron, then add paneer cubes, letting them luxuriate in the flavorful embrace until soft.
Adjusting the Finale: Creamy Consistency and Garnish
Fine-tune the sauce’s consistency with a touch more cream. Elevate the visual and aromatic appeal with a sprinkle of kasoori methi. Serve this gastronomic masterpiece piping hot, alongside your favorite bread or pulao.
Mastering in Shahi Paneer Recipe:
Pro Tips for Culinary Excellence
Tomato Variations:
- If passata eludes you, substitute it with freshly pureed tomatoes in equal measure for an equally luscious outcome.
Yogurt Matters:
- Opt for plain or Balkan yogurt over Greek yogurt to strike the perfect balance in your Shahi Paneer.
Balancing Sweetness:
- Experiment with sweetness by adding sugar or honey. Yet, the natural sweetness from cashews, almonds, and saffron might be all you need.
Cream Consistency:
- While heavy cream can substitute 10% table cream, be prepared to dilute the sauce with water if it thickens too much.
Indulgent Pairings:
Serving Shahi Paneer in Style
As captured in the visuals and video, I paired my Classic Shahi Paneer with the decadence of Punjabi Lachha Paratha. The flaky layers complemented the dish brilliantly. For an alternative, consider the delicate Rumali Roti, or stick to the timeless charm of Homemade Tandoori Naan. In a time crunch, my One-Hour Cast Iron Naan stands as an equally delectable solution.
Conclusion
In the realm of culinary delights, Classic Shahi Paneer Recipe stands out as a regal and delightful dish. With our detailed recipe, you can effortlessly recreate the magic at home, treating your taste buds to a burst of flavors. Make every meal special with the warmth and richness of this iconic Indian dish.
