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Shahi Paneer Masala

Shahi Paneer Masala is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with paneer (cottage cheese) in a luxurious sauce of spices, onions, tomatoes, and nuts like cashews or almonds. Enriched with cream and yogurt, it has a velvety texture and mildly sweet flavor. Typically garnished with cilantro, it's a popular accompaniment to naan or rice, enjoyed for its royal taste at special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 1800 kcal

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 Cashew-Almond Paste

  • Soak cashews and almonds for a few hours, then blend them into a smooth paste.
  • This paste is the secret behind the curry's rich, creamy texture. It makes the dish feel luxurious, just like royalty!

Sauté the Spices

  • First, in hot oil or ghee, sauté whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. This step releases their aromas, infusing the oil with flavor.
  • This step releases all those amazing aromas and fills your kitchen with delicious smells! It’s like the beginning of a magical journey.

Onion and Tomato Base

  • Sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown, then add ginger-garlic paste.
  • Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala. This creates the perfect base for your curry—thick and flavorful. All in all, it’s the heart of the dish!

Add the Cashew-Almond Paste and Yogurt

  • Stir in the smooth cashew-almond paste, then add yogurt.
  • The paste gives the curry its richness, while the yogurt brings in a creamy tanginess. If the texture is too thick, add water or stock to adjust.

Add Spices & Simmer

  • Sprinkle in ground spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder.
  • Let it simmer so the spices blend together, creating an aromatic, perfectly balanced sauce. As the sauce simmers, it transforms into a magic elixir of flavors.

Add Paneer and Cook

  • Gently add paneer cubes and let them soak in the rich gravy.
  • Simmer for a few minutes so the paneer absorbs all the spices and flavors. The result? Soft, creamy paneer that’s ready to melt in your mouth.

Finish with Cream and Garnishes

  • Then, stir in a bit of cream to make the dish extra rich and smooth, giving it a luxurious texture.
  • Finally, garnish with saffron strands and fresh coriander leaves. This final touch adds a royal flair, making the dish as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Notes

Variations of Shahi Paneer Masala 

Vegan Shahi Paneer 
    • For a plant-based twist, replace paneer with tofu or cashew paneer.  Additionally, swap dairy cream with coconut cream for that creamy richness! 
    • Although this may be true that it’s a different take, it still captures the royal flavors, making it a perfect option for vegan lovers! 
Shahi Malai Paneer 
    • If you're craving an even creamier version, try replacing regular cream with malai (clotted cream). 
    • Consequently, this adds a luxurious layer of richness, making the dish extra indulgent! 
Shahi Paneer with Mixed Vegetables 
    • Another key point is to add carrots, peas, or beans for a heartier, more colorful dish.
    • Not only will this make the dish more nutritious, but it also retains the royal essence of the original Shahi Paneer! 
Add Dried Fruits 
    • For an extra burst of sweetness, incorporate raisins or dried apricots. 
    • This combination brings a unique balance to the spices, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the richness of the dish. 

Tips for Perfect Shahi Paneer Masala

    • Use Fresh Paneer: First and foremost, always use fresh paneer for the best texture and flavor. Homemade paneer, in particular, will elevate the dish to another level of creaminess and richness. 
    • Cook the Gravy Well: In addition, ensure you sauté the tomatoes and onions thoroughly. By doing so, you eliminate any raw taste and create a rich, flavorful base for the curry. 
    • Balance the Spices: It’s important to note that spices should be adjusted to personal taste. For example, if you like more heat, add extra chili; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spice levels accordingly. 
    • Simmer for Depth: Finally, don’t rush the cooking process. Allow the gravy to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, giving the flavors time to develop fully and meld together. This way, the curry will be truly rich and aromatic. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Shahi Paneer Masala
Amount per Serving
Calories
1800
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
130
g
200
%
Saturated Fat
 
50
g
313
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
15
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
30
g
Cholesterol
 
350
mg
117
%
Sodium
 
1000
mg
43
%
Potassium
 
1000
mg
29
%
Carbohydrates
 
70
g
23
%
Fiber
 
8
g
33
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
90
g
180
%
Vitamin A
 
2000
IU
40
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.4
mg
27
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.5
mg
29
%
Vitamin B3
 
5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B5
 
2
mg
20
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B12
 
2
µg
33
%
Vitamin C
 
40
mg
48
%
Vitamin E
 
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
 
15
µg
14
%
Calcium
 
900
mg
90
%
Iron
 
7
mg
39
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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