Introduction: Shahi Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that showcases the rich and royal flavors of Mughlai cuisine. This delectable vegetarian delight is made with succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a luscious and aromatic gravy. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, Shahi Paneer is a true treat for the senses. In this blog post, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide to prepare this regal dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients: To create a delicious Shahi Paneer, gather the following ingredients:
For the Paneer Marinade:
- 250 grams of paneer,
cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons of
yogurt (curd)
- 1 teaspoon of
ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of
turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red
chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Shahi Paneer Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of
ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 green cardamom
pods
- 1-inch cinnamon
stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 medium-sized
onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of
ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium-sized
tomatoes, pureed
- 10-12 cashew nuts,
soaked in water
- 1/4 cup of fresh
cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of
turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red
chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam
masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander
leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
1. Marinating
the Paneer:
·
In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste,
turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
·
Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and gently coat
them. Let the paneer marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preparing
the Shahi Paneer Gravy:
·
Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bay
leaf, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until
fragrant.
·
Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn
golden brown.
·
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another
minute until the raw aroma disappears.
·
Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates
from the mixture.
·
Drain the soaked cashew nuts and grind them into a smooth
paste using a blender or food processor.
·
Add the cashew paste to the pan and mix well. Cook for a
few minutes until the mixture thickens.
·
Reduce the heat to low and add the turmeric powder, red
chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir to combine the spices with the
gravy.
·
Pour in the fresh cream and mix well. Simmer the gravy
for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
3. Cooking the
Paneer:
·
Heat a separate non-stick pan or skillet and add a little
oil or ghee.
·
Add the marinated paneer cubes and lightly fry them until
they turn golden brown on all sides.
·
Once the paneer is cooked, transfer it to the Shahi
Paneer gravy and gently mix to coat the paneer evenly.
·
Cover the pan and let the paneer simmer in the gravy for
2-3 minutes on low heat. This allows the flavors to infuse.
4. Serving the
Shahi Paneer:
·
Garnish the Shahi Paneer with freshly chopped coriander
leaves.
·
Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete
meal experience.
Conclusion: Indulge in the regal flavors of Shahi Paneer,
a creamy and aromatic dish that brings together the richness of paneer and the
royal Mughlai spices. With this detailed recipe guide, you can now recreate
this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends
with the flavors of North Indian cuisine and savor the creamy goodness of Shahi
Paneer. Enjoy the royal delight that is sure to become a favorite on your
dining table.
Note: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your
taste preferences and dietary restrictions. You can also add a handful of
blanched and crushed almonds to enhance the richness of the gravy.