🍽️ Shahi Paneer: A royal taste that wins every heart!
Shahi Paneer – the moment you hear the name, the taste of creamy, rich and flavorful gravy comes to your tongue. This is not just a dish, but a royal experience that becomes the star of every wedding, party or holiday special dinner. Wherever you are in the world, the craze for this dish is everywhere!
👑 What is Shahi Paneer?
This dish is a North Indian creamy curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and rich tomato-cashew gravy. “Shahi” itself means “royal” – and this dish tastes like something from the dining table of a king.
This vegetarian royal dish is usually served with naan, butter roti or basmati rice. The paneer cubes soak perfectly in the gravy and give a melt-in-mouth experience with every bite.
🏰 Origin & History :
The origin of this dish is believed to be from the Mughal kitchen. During the Mughal era, the use of dry fruits, butter, cream, and exotic spices was common in the food. Shahi Paneer is a modern twist to those Shahi kitchens – where Mughalai cooking style is blended with Indian taste.
Today, it is one of the top 5 dishes in the menu of every Indian restaurant!
🧂 Ingredients – What makes it “Shahi” You can make restaurant-style Shahi Paneer at home too. For this we need:
Main Ingredients:
Paneer – 250 grams (cut into cubes)
Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
Tomato – 2 large (pureed)
Cashews – 10-12 (soaked and ground)
Fresh Cream – 3 tbsp
Ghee or Butter – 2 tbsp
Ginger-Garlic paste – 1 tsp
Spices:
Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
Red Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala – 1/2 tsp
Kasuri Methi – 1/2 tsp
Salt – as per taste
Sugar – 1/2 tsp (optional)
How to Make Shahi Paneer (Homestyle) – Step-by-Step:
Heat Oil or Ghee:
In a pan heat butter or ghee and add chopped onion. Fry till it becomes golden brown.
Flavor Base:
Now add ginger-garlic paste. Add ground tomato puree for 1 minute. Add turmeric, chilli and salt and cook on medium flame for 7-10 minutes.
Add Cashew Paste:
Add ground cashew paste and mix well. Gravy will become a little thick.
Creamy Touch:
Add fresh cream and mix little water to get desired consistency.
Add Paneer:
Now add cubes and cook on low flame for 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle sugar and fenugreek. Add garam masala at the end.
Ready to Serve:
Let the boil come once and garnish with fresh coriander.
🍛 How to Serve ? Best combinations:
Butter naan / Garlic naan
Lachha paratha
Jeera rice / Pulao
Tandoori roti
If you are try it with Basmati rice and tortilla as well – it makes an Indo-Mexican fusion!
🥗 Health Facts – A little balance is a must
Shahi Paneer, though tastes great, is a high calorie dish. One serving can have around 350-500 calories, depending on the use of cream and ghee.
Pros:
Paneer provides protein
Healthy fats from Cashews
Vitamin C from Tomatoes
Cons:
High fat due to butter & cream
Limited quantity recommended for diabetics and weight-watchers
Tip: You can also make a healthy version by using low-fat milk cream or olive oil.
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Shahi Paneer
Soak Paneer in hot water for 10 minutes before use – it will feel soft and fresh.
Blend Cashew paste well – the texture will become very creamy.
You can enhance the sweetness and color by adding a little ketchup to tomato puree.
Try a spoon of honey in the end – the flavor gets elevated!
🧠 Fun Facts About Shahi Paneer
This dish is one of the top 3 most ordered curries in Indian restaurants in the USA and UK.
This dish was earlier also popular by the name of “Paneer Mughlai”.
If you want to make a vegan version, you can use tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of cream.
You can search for “shahi paneer recipe” on YouTube and get 1 crore+ results!
❤️ Personal Experience
Whenever a special guest comes to our home, or we have to make a close friend’s birthday dinner – This dish is the first name that comes to our mind. Why? Because this is one such dish which is full proof to impress – creamy, aromatic and the presentation is also royal.
🔚 Conclusion:
THIS DISH – Royalty on Your Plate
Shahi Paneer is one such dish which touches not only the taste buds but also the emotions. Be it home or restaurant, India or USA – this dish is enjoyed with equal craze everywhere.
So if you have not made Shahi Paneer at home till now, then make it now.
Bring a royal touch to your “royal” kitchen – and while eating only one word will come out: “Wah!”
read And stay healthy. “THANK YOU”
FAQ's :
1. Which cuisine does Shahi Paneer belong to?
Answer: Shahi Paneer is a part of North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, known for its rich, creamy gravies and royal flavors.
2. What is the difference between Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala?
Answer: Shahi Paneer has a mildly sweet, cashew-cream-based gravy with royal flavors, while Paneer Butter Masala has a buttery, tangy tomato-based gravy.
3. Can Shahi Paneer be made without cream?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute cream with full-fat milk or curd. However, the texture and richness may be slightly less creamy.
4. What can I serve with Shahi Paneer?
Answer: It pairs best with butter naan, tandoori roti, lachha paratha, or jeera rice. A side of salad and pickle enhances the meal.