Yesterday, I made Shahi paneer to go with homemade kulcha for dinner. I usually make a large batch of paneer and freeze the cubed paneer in ziplock bags. As and when I require, I thaw a batch of paneer, place the paneer cubes in warm water and am good to go. To learn how to make paneer from scratch, follow the paneer recipe I have blogged earlier. After I posted the homemade paneer recipe, I have been receiving emails to post easy paneer recipes and special dishes to serve for get togethers and parties.
A rich paneer dish that is apt to serve on special occasions is shahi paneer. It is a rich, onion-cashew nut paneer gravy dish that makes for a flavorful side with roti, naan, kulcha, paratha or pulao. The key to this fragrant curry is to use blanched onions and freshly ground spices. Usually tomato and turmeric powder are avoided to lend the dish a white shade.
A rich paneer dish that is apt to serve on special occasions is shahi paneer. It is a rich, onion-cashew nut paneer gravy dish that makes for a flavorful side with roti, naan, kulcha, paratha or pulao. The key to this fragrant curry is to use blanched onions and freshly ground spices. Usually tomato and turmeric powder are avoided to lend the dish a white shade.
I did not saute the paneer in ghee/butter before adding to the simmering gravy. I soaked the paneer cubes in luke warm water for a few minutes and added them to the simmering curry. The paneer is cooked to perfection in the spiced gravy and attains a melt in the mouth texture. If you are throwing a party, do add this dish to your menu. This restaurant in south delhi style shahi paneer will please your guests. :)
Follow the instructions below to learn how to make shahi paneer
Shahi Paneer
- Prep time:
- Cook time:
- Serves: 5
Main Ingredients:
- paneer
Ingredients
- Paneer - 1 1/2 cups, soak in warm water for 15 mts
- Onion - 1, very large, blanched and pureed
- Tomato - 1, large, blanced and pureed (optional)
- Green chili-ginger paste - 2 tsps (2 green chilies+1/2" ginger piece)
- Bay leaf - 1
- Cinnamon stick - 1"
- Black cardamom - 1
- Cashew nuts - 8, soaked in 1/4 cup milk and ground to a paste
- Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Malai or fresh cream - 2 tbsps
- Yogurt - 1/4 cup, thick and beaten smooth
- Kasuri methi - 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Oil - 1 1/2 tbsps
- Ghee - 1 1/2 tbsps
- Coriander leaves - 3 tbsps, for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Dry roast for 2-3 mts and grind to a fine powder:
- Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
- Green cardamoms - 3
- Black peppercorns - 6
- Clove - 1
- Cinnamon stick - 1/2" piece
Method
- Blanch the onions and grind to make a paste. If using tomato, blanch it and grind to a paste. Set aside. (I have provided the link on how to blanch onions above)
- Grind cashew nuts along with the milk to a smooth paste and set aside.
- Heat oil and ghee in a heavy bottomed vessel. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon and black cardamom. Add the ground onion paste and saute for 6 mts.
- Add ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder and kasuri methi and saute for 4 mts. Add the tomato puree and cook for 6-7 mts.
- Add the cashew nut paste, mix well and cook for a mt. Add the beaten curd and mix well. Add a cup of water and allow to simmer for 4 mts on low flame.
- Add paneer cubes and mix gently. Simmer for 8-10 minutes and add the ground garam masala powder and mix. Finally add the fresh cream and mix. Turn off flame and allow the curry to rest for 15 mts.
- Remove to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm with kulcha, butter naan, roti or pulao.
Tips
- You can add saffron infused milk for a richer flavor.
- You can omit the tomato and turmeric powder. I have added it to add some color to the dish.
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