Shahi Paneer Recipe for 4 People – A Royal Delight!

Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy North Indian curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cream, nuts, and aromatic spices. “Shahi” means “royal,” and this dish certainly lives up to its name. Popular in Mughlai cuisine, it has become a favorite across India and in Indian restaurants worldwide.

A Little History

Shahi Paneer has its roots in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals brought with them a flair for luxurious and aromatic cooking, often involving cream, nuts, and fragrant spices. Shahi Paneer emerged as a vegetarian counterpart to Mughlai meat dishes, offering a regal experience with soft paneer cubes drenched in a rich, buttery, and subtly sweet gravy.

Recipe Overview

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Cuisine: North Indian / Mughlai

Course: Main Course

Cooking Method: Stovetop

Serves: 4 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: ~370 kcal per serving

Shahi Paneer Recipe for 4 People – A Royal Delight!

Author: secretspicez25@gmail.com Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:North indian Mughlai Courses:Main Course

Difficulty:IntermediatePrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour 50 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

“Shahi” means “royal,” and this dish certainly lives up to its name. Popular in Mughlai cuisine, it has become a favorite across India and in Indian restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1-inch ginger
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 10 cashew nuts
• 1 green chili (optional)
• ½ cup water (for blending)

Spices:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 green cardamoms
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)

Other:

• 200-250 g paneer, cubed
• ¼ cup fresh cream
• ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander for garnish
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

How to Make Shahi Paneer

Step 1: Make the Base Gravy

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil/ghee in a pan.
2. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chili, and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add cashews and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Cool slightly, transfer to a blender, and blend into a smooth paste using ½ cup water.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy

6. Heat 1 tbsp ghee/oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan.
7. Add bay leaf, cumin seeds, and cardamom. Let them crackle.
8. Add the blended paste and cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
9. Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well and cook until oil separates.

Step 3: Final Touches

10. Add cream and mix. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
11. Add paneer cubes and kasuri methi. Stir gently.
12. Add a little milk if the gravy is too thick.
13. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then garnish with chopped coriander.

Notes

• For a vegan version, use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
  You can make it richer by increasing the amount of cream or butter.
  Soaking paneer cubes in warm water for 10 minutes makes them extra soft.
  If you prefer a slightly tangy taste, add 1 tsp of yogurt or a few drops of lemon juice.

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Recipe Keys

• Flavor Profile: Creamy, mildly spiced, aromatic
• Texture: Silky smooth gravy, soft paneer
• Protein Source: Paneer
• Special Ingredient: Cashews and cream for richness

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
• A side of onion salad and pickles complements it perfectly.

Where Is It Popular?

Shahi Paneer is a restaurant staple across India, especially in Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. It’s also widely enjoyed in Indian restaurants globally, particularly in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Enjoy the royal richness of Shahi Paneer, a dish that brings history and flavor to your table! Let me know if you’d like a printable card or a step-by-step photo guide next.