Here’s a simple recipe for Shahi Paneer:
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Blend the soaked cashews into a smooth paste.
- Add the cashew paste to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the masala until the ghee/oil starts to separate from it.
- Stir in the cream and garam masala. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add milk to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Gently add the paneer cubes and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and sprinkle them over the dish. Stir gently.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice. Enjoy your delicious and creamy Shahi Paneer!
FAQs
What is shahi paneer made of?
Shahi Paneer is made from paneer (cottage cheese) cubes that are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. The gravy typically consists of a blend of tomatoes, cashews, cream, and a variety of aromatic spices. This combination creates a creamy and indulgent dish with a royal and regal flavor profile.
What is the difference between shahi paneer and Paneer Butter Masala?
While both dishes feature paneer in a creamy curry, the main difference lies in the preparation of the gravy. Shahi Paneer has a richer and more opulent gravy, often incorporating cashews and cream for a luxurious texture. Paneer Butter Masala, on the other hand, emphasizes the use of butter in its gravy, providing a distinct buttery flavor to the dish. The choice of spices and the overall richness may also vary between the two recipes.
What is the difference between shahi paneer and Kadai Paneer?
Shahi Paneer and Kadai Paneer differ in their flavor profiles and cooking styles. Shahi Paneer, as mentioned earlier, has a creamy and royal gravy made with tomatoes, cashews, and cream. In contrast, Kadai Paneer is prepared in a thick and semi-dry curry that includes a blend of aromatic spices, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The distinct taste of both dishes is attributed to the unique spice blends used in their respective preparations.
What is the difference between shahi paneer and Mutter paneer?
Shahi Paneer and Mutter Paneer both involve paneer cubes, but their gravies and key ingredients differ. Shahi Paneer features a rich and creamy gravy made with tomatoes, cashews, and cream, imparting a royal and luxurious taste. On the other hand, Mutter Paneer includes green peas (mutter) in its tomato-based curry, adding a slightly sweet and fresh element to the dish. While both are delicious vegetarian paneer dishes, the choice between them depends on the desired flavor and texture preferences.