Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of Shahi Paneer, a classic Indian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a royal feast! With its luscious tomato-based gravy and velvety paneer, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, Shahi Paneer is the answer to your culinary desires. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's time to bring the flavors of India into your kitchen and discover the secrets to creating this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g paneer (cottage cheese)
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cream
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by cutting paneer into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onions and puree the tomatoes until smooth.
- Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for 30 seconds until they release their aromatic fragrance.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture turns slightly golden.
- Pour in the tomato puree and mix well. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the masala for 8-10 minutes until the oil starts separating from the sides and the raw tomato smell reduces.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream, blending it smoothly into the gravy. This will give the dish its rich, creamy texture.
- Gently add paneer cubes to the gravy, coating them evenly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and give a final gentle stir. Remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream if desired.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice. Best enjoyed immediately while the paneer is soft and the gravy is warm.
Tips
- Quality Paneer: Use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best texture and flavor. If possible, try making your own paneer at home for an authentic touch!
- Perfectly Pureed Tomatoes: Ensure your tomato puree is smooth to create a silky gravy. You can blanch the tomatoes before pureeing for a sweeter taste.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder.
- Creamy Consistency: For an even richer gravy, you can use a combination of cream and yogurt. Just be sure to temper the yogurt before adding to prevent curdling.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh coriander garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Shahi Paneer with naan, roti, or jeera rice to soak up the delicious gravy. Pair it with a side of raita for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
