Shahi paneer the royal delight you can easily at home
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of rich flavors, aromatic spices, and royal dishes that have been passed down for generations. Among these, Shahi Paneer stands out as a true representation of Mughal-inspired luxury. The word "Shahi" means "royal," and "Paneer" refers to fresh Indian cottage cheese. This dish is known for its creamy, mildly sweet, and aromatic gravy that feels like a treat fit for kings and queens.
Whether you're cooking for a special dinner, a festival, or simply craving something indulgent, Shahi Paneer is a perfect choice. Let’s explore the detailed process of making this royal dish right in your own kitchen.
⭐ What Makes Shahi Paneer Special?
Unlike spicy paneer dishes such as Paneer Butter Masala or Kadai Paneer, Shahi Paneer is richer and slightly sweeter. The gravy is made using cashew nuts, cream, and aromatic whole spices that create a silky-smooth texture and luxurious flavor. The use of saffron or kewra water (optional) further enhances its regal appeal.
Paneer, a fresh cheese common in Indian households, absorbs all the creamy flavors beautifully and remains soft and tender. The result is a dish that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
⭐ Ingredients You Need for Shahi Paneer
Here’s a list of ingredients to make restaurant-style Shahi Paneer at home:
For the base:
200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
10–12 cashew nuts
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2–3 green cardamoms
1-inch cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
For the gravy:
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
½ cup milk or water (for adjusting consistency)
2 tablespoons fresh cream
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional)
For garnish:
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Saffron milk or a drizzle of cream (optional)
⭐ Step-by-Step Recipe for Shahi Paneer
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the onion-tomato-cashew paste
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil or ghee in a pan.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step is important as it gives a slight sweetness and depth to the gravy.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
4. Add cashew nuts and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Cashews are the secret ingredient that make the gravy thick and creamy.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
6. Transfer it to a blender and grind into a smooth paste. You can add a little water if needed for a smooth texture.
🍳 Step 2: Prepare the gravy
1. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil or ghee.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamoms. Let them sizzle and release their aroma.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the prepared onion-tomato-cashew paste. Cook this mixture for 5–6 minutes on medium flame until oil starts to separate from the sides.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes.
🧀 Step 3: Add paneer and finish the dish
1. Add milk or water gradually to achieve the desired consistency. You want a rich, creamy gravy—not too thick and not too runny.
2. Gently add paneer cubes. Stir lightly to coat them with the gravy, but avoid over mixing so that the paneer doesn’t break.
3. Add fresh cream, crushed kasuri methi, garam masala, and sugar (if using). Mix well and let it simmer on low flame for about 3–4 minutes.
4. If using saffron milk, add it at this stage for an extra royal touch.
🌿 Step 4: Garnish and serve
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and an extra drizzle of cream or saffron milk if you like.
Serve hot with butter naan, roti, paratha, or even jeera rice.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Shahi Paneer
✅ Use fresh paneer to ensure it stays soft and absorbs flavors beautifully.
✅ Don’t skip cashew nuts, as they give the dish its signature creamy texture and mild sweetness.
✅ Always cook the gravy until oil starts to separate. This indicates that the spices and paste are well cooked.
✅ Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more or less milk or water.
✅ You can lightly fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy if you prefer a firmer texture.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
Shahi Paneer pairs perfectly with Indian breads such as butter naan, tandoori roti, or laccha paratha. You can also enjoy it with fragrant basmati rice, jeera rice, or pulao. Add a side of onion rings, lemon wedges, and a green salad to complete your royal meals
⭐ Why You Should Try Making Shahi Paneer at Home
While restaurant Shahi Paneer tastes delicious, making it at home allows you to control the richness and customize it to your taste. You can make it healthier by using less cream or oil and adjust the spice levels as you like. Plus, there's a special satisfaction in serving a homemade royal dish to your family or guests!
🌟 Conclusion
Shahi Paneer truly lives up to its name — every bite is rich, flavorful, and regal. It’s a dish that can transform any meal into a celebration and make you feel like royalty right at home.
Next time you want to impress your family or enjoy something special, give this Shahi Paneer recipe a try. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to bring restaurant-style taste to your own kitchen.
