Shahi Paneer Masala recipe is a rich and delicious dish that you often find in Indian restaurants. First, it’s inspired by Mughlai cuisine, which means it has a special touch of royalty. Moreover, it’s famous for its creamy and aromatic gravy, making it a top choice for anyone who loves paneer!
This dish mixes soft paneer cubes with a rich sauce made from cream, nuts, and spices. Additionally, this recipe brings the royal taste of Mughlai cooking straight to your kitchen, making it easy to enjoy at home!
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About Shahi Paneer Masala Recipe
Shahi Paneer Masala recipe is a classic Mughlai dish that shows off royal cooking. Its creamy texture and rich flavors come from spices, cream, and nuts, making it a favorite in both Mughlai and Punjabi meals.
This dish brings the luxury of the Mughal era to your table, and it’s also easy to make, giving you a taste of something special without a lot of work.
Furthermore, you can adjust the recipe for different diets by using less cream or dairy-free options.
You can even prepare it ahead of time, which is perfect for gatherings. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want a tasty meal, Shahi Paneer Masala recipe will definitely impress everyone!
What is Shahi Paneer?
Shahi Paneer is a popular Indian dish, especially known for its rich and creamy texture. First, it comes from Mughlai cuisine, which makes it extra special. The name "Shahi" means "royal," showing just how luxurious it is.
This dish is made with paneer, which is a type of Indian cheese, and it cooks in a tasty sauce made from cream, nuts, and spices.
Because of its royal roots, Shahi Paneer uses rich ingredients, making it a wonderful treat for celebrations.
Additionally, the creamy gravy is made from onions, tomatoes, and spices like garam masala, helping the paneer soak up all the yummy flavors.
You often eat Shahi Paneer with naan, roti, or rice, and it's loved in both restaurants and homes. So, it has become a favorite for anyone who enjoys delicious vegetarian food!
How to Make Shahi Paneer?
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Paneer
- First, heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Then, add the paneer cubes and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once done, remove the paneer cubes and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
2. Make the Masala
- Next, in the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
- After that, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Then, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell goes away.
- Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates, which takes around 10 minutes.
- Then, mix in the cashew paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt to taste and adjust the gravy's thickness with water if needed, cooking until the masala thickens and the flavors blend together.
3. Combine and Simmer
- Now, add the fried paneer cubes to the masala and mix everything well.
- Next, pour in the fresh cream and stir until all the ingredients are combined.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the paneer can absorb all the delicious flavors. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh coriander leaves!
4. Serve
- Serve the dish hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a perfect meal!
Personal Variations
1. Add Veggies: You can easily make your dish healthier by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color!
2. Try Different Nuts: Instead of just using cashews, consider mixing in almonds or walnuts. Each nut gives a different flavor, making your dish special.
3. Spice It Up: If you like it spicy, add extra chili powder or even chopped green chilies. This will give your dish a nice kick!
4. Herb Twist: For a fresh taste, mix in herbs like mint or basil. This will brighten up the flavors and make your dish even more delicious!
Visual Presentation
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top.
Add Cream Swirls: Drizzle some cream on the surface in a pretty swirl. This gives a nice touch and makes it look fancy.
Top with Fried Onions: You can add crispy fried onions on top. They add texture and make the dish even more appetizing.
Use a Nice Plate: Serve the dish on a colorful plate. A beautiful plate makes everything look better and more inviting!
Pairing Drinks
✅ Refreshing Lassi: First, a cool lassi is a great choice.
✅ Spicy Masala Chai: A warm cup of masala chai complements the flavors really well. The spices in the chai add an extra kick.
✅ Light Wine: A light wine can also work nicely.
✅ Mint Lemonade: Try some mint lemonade for a refreshing twist. It’s sweet and tangy, making it a fun drink to enjoy with your meal!
Tips and Tricks
Marinate Longer: First, marinate the paneer for at least two hours or even overnight. This helps the flavors soak in better, making the dish tastier.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Next, always try to use fresh spices and herbs. This will give your dish a stronger and more delicious flavor.
Cook on Medium Heat: When cooking, use medium heat. This way, your paneer won’t burn, and it will cook evenly.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spice levels. If you like it milder, use less chili powder, or add more if you enjoy some heat!
Event Hosting Tips
1. Buffet Style Setup: Arrange a buffet where guests can serve themselves. Place the Shahi Paneer Masala in a nice bowl, making it easy for everyone to help themselves.
2. Accompanying Dishes: Include some tasty sides like naan, rice, and raita. This way, guests can mix and match their meals for more flavor.
3. Garnishing for Appeal: Garnish the Shahi Paneer Masala with fresh herbs and cream swirls. This makes the dish look even more inviting!
4. Drinks Station: Set up a drinks station nearby with lassi or chai. This adds a refreshing touch and keeps everyone happy while they eat!
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute tofu for paneer in Shahi Paneer Masala to make a vegan version. Use firm tofu and pan-fry or bake it before adding it to the masala.
Yes, you can prepare the masala base ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the masala, add the paneer and cream, and simmer until heated through.
To make Shahi Paneer Masala vegan, use tofu instead of paneer and replace dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
For perfect Shahi Paneer Masala, fry the paneer until golden but not overcooked. Caramelize the onions well and cook the tomato purée until the oil separates. Use freshly ground spices and add cream at the end to avoid curdling.
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Shahi Paneer Masala
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Paneer:
- 250 gram Paneer, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Ghee or oil for frying
For the Masala:
- 1 Large onion, finely chopped
- 2 Large tomatoes, pureed
- ¼ Cup Cashew nuts, soaked in water for 30 minutes and blended into a paste
- ¼ Cup Fresh cream
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon Oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Paneer
- First, heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Then, add the paneer cubes and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once done, remove the paneer cubes and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Make the Masala
- Next, in the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
- After that, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Then, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell goes away.
- Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates, which takes around 10 minutes.
- Then, mix in the cashew paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt to taste and adjust the gravy's thickness with water if needed, cooking until the masala thickens and the flavors blend together.
Combine and Simmer
- Now, add the fried paneer cubes to the masala and mix everything well.
- Next, pour in the fresh cream and stir until all the ingredients are combined.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the paneer can absorb all the delicious flavors. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh coriander leaves!
Serve
- Serve the dish hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a perfect meal!
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