How to Make Delicious and Authentic Shahi Paneer Recipe at Home
Shahi Paneer is a classic Indian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a rich and creamy vegetarian dish that is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a flavorful tomato-based gravy. The dish gets its name from the royal and regal taste of the gravy. It is a staple at Indian restaurants and is now becoming popular globally. If you are a fan of Indian cuisine and are looking to make Shahi Paneer at home, you are in the right place. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to make the best Shahi Paneer recipe at home.
History of Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer originated in the northern region of India during the Mughal era. The Mughals were known for their extravagant lifestyle and exquisite cuisine, and Shahi Paneer was one of their most prized dishes. The dish was prepared with paneer, nuts, and aromatic spices, which were cooked in a tomato-based gravy. The dish was usually served to the royalty, and hence the name 'Shahi,' which means 'royal.'
Ingredients for Shahi Paneer
To make Shahi Paneer, you will need the following ingredients:
500g paneer, cut into cubes
4 tbsp ghee or oil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
2-3 green cardamom pods
1-2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 cloves
2 medium-sized onions, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup cashews
1/4 cup cream
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves for garnishing
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shahi Paneer,
Now that we have all the ingredients let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to make Shahi Paneer:
Step 1: Soak the cashews in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add bay leaf, cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add chopped onions and fry until they turn golden brown.
Step 4: Add ginger and garlic paste and fry for a few seconds.
Step 5: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
Step 6: Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
Step 7: Add soaked cashews and cook for a few minutes.
Step 8: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
Step 9: Once the mixture cools down, blend it in a mixer to form a smooth paste.
Step 10: Strain the paste using a sieve to remove any lumps.
Step 11: Heat the same pan and add the paneer cubes. Fry until they turn golden brown.
Step 12: Add the blended paste to the pan and mix well.
Step 13: Add cream and cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 14: Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Conclusion:
Step by step guide Shahi Paneer
