Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy North Indian dish known for its royal flavors and luxurious texture. The word “Shahi” means royal, and this dish truly lives up to its name with a luscious gravy made from cream, nuts, and aromatic spices, combined with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Shahi Paneer is often served at special occasions, festivals, or in restaurants, delighting food lovers with its mildly sweet, creamy, and flavorful profile.
Making Shahi Paneer at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors while enjoying a regal meal anytime. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make authentic Shahi Paneer, including tips on selecting the best ingredients, preparing the creamy gravy, cooking the paneer perfectly, and pairing it with Indian breads or rice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this detailed article will help you create a restaurant-quality Shahi Paneer at home.
Ingredients for Shahi Paneer
For the Paneer:
250 grams paneer (cubed) — fresh and soft
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
1 large onion (finely chopped or pureed)
1/2 cup tomato puree (fresh or canned)
10-12 cashew nuts or almonds (soaked and ground to a paste)
1/4 cup fresh cream or malai
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1-2 green cardamom pods
1 small cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional, soaked and ground)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (to balance the flavors)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
Rose water or kewra water (for aroma)
Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (for richness and color)
Step 1: Preparing the Cashew and Almond Paste
Nuts play a key role in giving Shahi Paneer its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Soak cashew nuts and almonds in warm water for 20-30 minutes to soften them.
Drain the water and grind them into a smooth paste using a little water or milk. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Paneer
Cut the paneer into medium-sized cubes.
To keep the paneer soft, you can soak the cubes in warm water for 10-15 minutes and drain before cooking.
Optionally, lightly fry the paneer cubes in a non-stick pan with a teaspoon of ghee or oil until golden on all sides, or keep them fresh for a softer texture.
Step 3: Making the Base Gravy
Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add finely chopped onions or onion puree and sauté until golden brown. This step is crucial to develop a sweet and rich flavor base.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add the tomato puree and cook on medium heat until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cashew and almond paste along with poppy seed paste if using. Cook the mixture on low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Adding Cream and Final Flavors
Add fresh cream or malai to the gravy and mix well.
Add sugar or honey to balance the spices and bring out a subtle sweetness.
Add garam masala powder and stir gently.
If using, add a few drops of rose water or kewra water and saffron soaked in warm milk for added aroma and richness.
Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes on low heat until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Cooking the Paneer in the Gravy
Add the paneer cubes to the prepared gravy.
Gently mix to coat the paneer with the gravy without breaking the cubes.
Cook for 5-6 minutes on low heat to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Garnish the Shahi Paneer with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
You may also sprinkle some dry roasted nuts or a drizzle of fresh cream on top for presentation.
Serve hot with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha, or with steamed basmati rice or pulao.
Tips for Perfect Shahi Paneer
Use fresh and soft paneer for the best texture. Homemade paneer yields excellent results.
Soaking nuts and grinding them to a fine paste is key for creamy gravy.
Slow cooking the onions to a golden brown enhances the natural sweetness and flavor.
Use fresh cream or malai for authentic richness; alternatives like yogurt can change the texture.
Adding saffron soaked in warm milk adds luxurious aroma and color.
Avoid high heat while simmering the gravy to prevent curdling of cream.
Adjust spice levels according to your preference; Shahi Paneer is traditionally mildly spiced.
Variations of Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer with Cashew Cream: Increase cashew content and reduce cream for a nuttier flavor.
Shahi Paneer with Khoya (Mawa): Add grated khoya for an even richer texture and sweetness.
Shahi Paneer with Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make it more wholesome.
Vegan Shahi Paneer: Use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
Nutritional Information
Shahi Paneer is a calorie-dense dish due to its use of paneer, cream, and nuts. It provides good protein and calcium from the paneer, along with fats and carbohydrates from cream and nuts. Moderation is key when enjoying this indulgent dish.
Cultural Significance of Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer reflects the grandeur of Mughlai cuisine, which flourished in India under the Mughal emperors. This dish symbolizes royal hospitality and is often prepared for weddings, festivals, and special gatherings. Its delicate balance of spices and richness showcases the culinary artistry of Indian kitchens.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Shahi Paneer with naan, butter roti, or laccha paratha for a sumptuous meal.
Accompany with a side of cucumber raita or salad to balance the richness.
Serve with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete dining experience.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Shahi Paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the gravy’s consistency.
Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent cream from curdling.
Conclusion
Shahi Paneer is an exquisite dish that brings together creamy textures, rich flavors, and aromatic spices to create a regal dining experience. With fresh ingredients and careful preparation, you can easily make this classic Indian delicacy at home and impress your family and guests. Its versatility allows for many variations, making it adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served during festivals, celebrations, or as a special meal, Shahi Paneer remains a beloved symbol of Indian culinary tradition and hospitality.