There’s a certain delight in the kitchen that hits just right after a long day – the kind of joy that fills the air with rich, inviting aromas. As the sun sets and the world slows, I find myself gravitating toward the enticing flavors of Shahi Paneer, a dish that embodies comfort while also feeling like a celebration. This Punjabi-style recipe features a luxurious, velvety tomato-cashew gravy that dances with aromatic spices, transforming humble paneer into something truly royal.
My love for homemade food often leads me to reinvent authentic recipes, and this creamy take on Shahi Paneer delivers everything from heartiness to elegance without the fuss. It’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan. Just the thought of scooping a generous portion with warm naan is enough to make my taste buds tingle. Let me guide you through this delicious journey that will have your family and friends singing your praises!
Why will you love Shahi Paneer?
Comforting, Creamy Indulgence: Shahi Paneer is a perfect balance of rich flavors and creamy textures, making it an instant favorite on any dinner table.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and basic ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up.
Versatile Dish: Perfect alongside naan, rice, or even as a filling in wraps, it adapts to your meal preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with this restaurant-quality dish that brings the taste of Punjab to your home.
Vegetarian Delight: A hearty option that satisfies the cravings of both vegetarians and meat lovers alike!
Embark on a culinary adventure and elevate your home dining experience with this delightful recipe!
Shahi Paneer Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for making creamy Shahi Paneer!
For the Gravy
- Ghee – Adds richness; substitute with oil for a vegan option.
- Oil – Helps sauté spices; any neutral oil can be used.
- Cumin Seeds – Provides warm, earthy flavor; use whole or ground cumin.
- Cinnamon Stick – Adds subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Green Cardamom – Imparts fragrance and depth; use whole for best flavor.
- Black Cardamom – Contributes a smoky aroma for added depth.
- Cloves – Adds aromatic intensity to the gravy.
- Black Peppercorns – Provides heat; adjust according to spice preference.
- Bay Leaf – Enhances overall flavor profile.
- Green Chillies – Adds heat; tailor the number to your spice tolerance.
- Ginger Garlic Paste – Essential for base flavor; can be made fresh or store-bought.
- Onion – Key for the gravy; sauté until translucent for sweetness.
- Tomatoes – Forms the base of the gravy; sweeter, less acidic varieties are recommended.
- Cashew Nuts – Creates a creamy texture; can substitute with soaked almonds if necessary.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
- Water – To adjust the consistency of the gravy.
- Sugar – Balances acidity; use sparingly to suit your taste.
- Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – Adds color and a mild spice; paprika is a good alternative.
- Coriander Powder – Contributes earthy tones to the dish.
- Turmeric Powder – Adds color and health benefits.
For the Main Dish
- Paneer – The star protein of this dish; tofu can be used for a vegan option.
- Butter – Adds richness; can be swapped with oil for a vegan version.
- Cream – Increases creaminess; coconut cream is a non-dairy substitute.
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – Enhances aroma and flavor, making it more authentic.
Bring the flavors of Shahi Paneer to life and impress your family with this delightful dish!
How to Make Shahi Paneer
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Heat ghee and oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Then, add cumin seeds and wait for them to sizzle, followed by the whole spices – cinnamon stick, green and black cardamom, cloves, and black peppercorns – until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
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Sauté chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste in the pan. Cook until the onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, about 5-6 minutes.
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Add chopped tomatoes, cashew nuts, salt, and water to the mixture. Cover and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes until the tomatoes soften, creating a rich base.
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Blend the cooled mixture until smooth in a blender or food processor, which will give your gravy that velvety texture that makes Shahi Paneer so special.
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Melt butter in the same pan over low heat. Caramelize sugar for about a minute before adding the sautéed spices; this adds a unique sweetness to the dish.
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Stir in the blended masala, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the salt if needed; the flavors should meld beautifully.
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Incorporate paneer cubes into the simmering gravy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak in the flavors without getting overcooked.
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Finish by stirring in cream and crushed kasuri methi. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves for an extra pop of flavor.
Optional: Consider adding a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder for an extra layer of taste.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Shahi Paneer preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor. You can prepare the gravy up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just sauté the spices and blend the masala, allowing it to cool before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy gently, adding paneer cubes for the last 2-3 minutes to prevent them from overcooking. This approach maintains the rich texture and vibrant flavors of your Shahi Paneer, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as if it were freshly made. By prepping ahead, you can enjoy this luxurious dish with minimal effort on your busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Shahi Paneer
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Fridge: Store leftover Shahi Paneer in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain the gravy’s consistency.
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Freezer: You can freeze Shahi Paneer for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: When reheating, always do so gently on low heat. Add a little water or cream to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
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Serving Tips: For best results, add fresh paneer after thawing, as it retains better texture and flavor when added just before serving!
Variations & Substitutions for Shahi Paneer
Feel free to add your own twist to this creamy masterpiece! Each variation brings new dimensions to your favorite dish.
- Vegan Version: Substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut cream for a plant-based delight that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Nuts Switch: Swap cashews for soaked almonds; they provide a lovely creamy texture while offering a unique taste.
- Spice It Up: Increase heat levels by adding more green chilies or incorporating a pinch of red chili powder for that extra kick!
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
- Herbal Twist: Introduce fresh herbs like mint or cilantro in addition to kasuri methi for a refreshing change.
- Rich Texture: For an even creamier gravy, consider folding in some plain yogurt just before serving; it adds tang and richness.
- Cheesy Experience: Mix in some grated paneer when simmering for a double dose of cheesy delight!
- Extra Vegetable: Incorporate peas or spinach for an added layer of nutrition and color, transforming this dish into a hearty feast.
What to Serve with Shahi Paneer?
The perfect meal is all about harmony, and pairing your Shahi Paneer with complementary sides will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
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Butter Naan: The soft, pillowy texture of naan beautifully contrasts with the creamy gravy, perfect for scooping up every delightful bite.
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Steamed Basmati Rice: Light and fragrant, basmati rice acts as a fantastic canvas to soak up the rich flavors of Shahi Paneer, making each spoonful satisfying.
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Raita: A cooling yogurt side dish, like cucumber raita, balances the spices in the paneer while adding a refreshing touch to the meal.
For a little extra crunch, serve crispy papadums alongside the main dish. They make for a delightful texture contrast and add a fun touch to the table.
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Mixed Vegetable Curry: A vibrant side of mixed veggies enhances the meal’s nutrition and colors while complementing the richness of the paneer.
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Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy chutney provides a delightful contrast to the creamy dish, adding bursts of flavor with every bite.
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Masala Chai: To wrap up your meal, enjoy a warm cup of masala chai; its spices echo those in your main dish, creating a cohesive dining experience.
Expert Tips for Shahi Paneer
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Avoid Overcooking Paneer: Simmer gently and only for a couple of minutes to keep the paneer soft and tender. Overcooked paneer can become rubbery.
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Use Sweet Tomatoes: Opt for less acidic tomatoes like Roma or even heirloom varieties for a richer, more balanced flavor in your Shahi Paneer.
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Blend Smoothly: For that luxurious, velvety texture, ensure the masala is blended until completely smooth. This step is crucial for a restaurant-quality gravy.
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Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with fewer green chillies and add more at the end to control the spice in your Shahi Paneer.
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Fresh Herbs Matter: Garnish with fresh coriander just before serving to enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish, making it all the more inviting!
Shahi Paneer Recipe FAQs
What kind of tomatoes should I use for Shahi Paneer?
For a richer flavor in your Shahi Paneer, opt for sweet, less acidic tomatoes such as Roma or heirloom varieties. Avoid overly acidic tomatoes, as they can detract from the creamy richness of the dish.
How do I store leftover Shahi Paneer?
Store leftover Shahi Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore the sauce’s consistency, as it tends to thicken when cold.
Can I freeze Shahi Paneer?
Absolutely! You can freeze Shahi Paneer for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight, and when ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of water or cream if necessary.
What should I do if my Shahi Paneer gravy is too thick?
If you find your Shahi Paneer gravy is too thick, simply stir in some warm water or cream little by little until you reach your desired consistency. Likewise, heating it gently on the stove will help loosen the mixture, just be cautious not to boil it to avoid overcooking the paneer.
Is Shahi Paneer a good dish for people with allergies?
Shahi Paneer is rich and creamy, but if anyone you’re serving has dairy allergies, consider substituting paneer with tofu and using coconut cream instead. Always check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies in mind, especially with store-bought items like ghee or cream.
Creamy Shahi Paneer: A Punjabi Delight You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat ghee and oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Then, add cumin seeds and wait for them to sizzle, followed by the whole spices until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sauté chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste in the pan until the onions turn translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cashew nuts, salt, and water to the mixture. Cover and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes.
- Blend the cooled mixture until smooth in a blender or food processor.
- Melt butter in the same pan over low heat and caramelize sugar for about a minute before adding the sautéed spices.
- Stir in the blended masala, letting it simmer gently. Adjust salt if needed.
- Incorporate paneer cubes into the simmering gravy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in cream and crushed kasuri methi. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.