Shahi Paneer Recipe | शाही पनीर बनाने की विधि (shahi paneer recipe, shahi paneer banane ki vidhi)
Recipe Structure Map (Session-by-Session) in this blog
- Introduction
- History of Shahi Paneer
- Ingredients Reflect Royalty
- Why You’ll Love Shahi Paneer
- Utensils & Appliances Needed for Shahi Paneer
- Expert Tips for Perfect Shahi Paneer
- Cooking time Shahi paneer recipe (Quick View)
- Ingredients with Benefits
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cooking Tips & Substitutions
- Serving Suggestions for Shahi Paneer
Learn how to make creamy and delicious Shahi Paneer at home. Step-by-step recipe with images, ingredients' benefits, cooking tips, FAQs, and SEO optimization
A royal Indian delight made creamy with cashew and cream – perfect for festive meals or indulgent dinners
❤️Introduction
(Emotion + Cultural Touch)
Shahi Paneer is one of North India’s most regal and indulgent dishes, a true symbol of royal Mughlai cuisine. The word "Shahi" means royal, and this dish lives up to its name with a rich blend of cream, cashew nuts, and aromatic spices. Whether you're hosting guests, celebrating a festival, or simply craving something rich and comforting, Shahi Paneer is the perfect choice. Its silky smooth gravy and soft paneer cubes make it a crowd-pleaser for all age groups
History of Shahi Paneer – A Royal Culinary Legacy
Origin and Historical Background:
Shahi Paneer, as the name suggests, originates from the Persian word "Shahi," meaning "royal"—a reflection of its luxurious, rich, and indulgent nature. This dish traces its roots back to the Mughal era in India, known for its opulent culinary traditions that blended Persian, Central Asian, and Indian flavors.
The Mughals, famous for their grand feasts and elaborate cooking, introduced a range of creamy, aromatic, and richly spiced dishes that often used nuts, dairy, and dried fruits. Shahi Paneer is believed to be an evolution of these royal gravies, customized for vegetarians in Northern India, particularly in the regions of Punjab and Delhi, where paneer (Indian cottage cheese) became a key protein substitute.
Culinary Evolution:
Originally, Mughal dishes were meat-centric, but with the spread of their cooking techniques into the Indian subcontinent, particularly among Hindu vegetarian communities, adaptations like Shahi Paneer emerged. The use of paneer replaced meat, while the creamy gravies rich in cashews, almonds, butter, cream, and aromatic spices remained central to the preparation.
Over time, Shahi Paneer became a staple in North Indian cuisine, especially during festivals, weddings, and special occasions, symbolizing indulgence and richness.
Ingredients Reflect Royalty
Paneer: A vegetarian protein popular in North India.
Nuts (cashews/almonds): Symbol of affluence in Mughal cooking.
Cream and butter: For luxurious texture.
Aromatic spices: Cardamom, cloves, saffron (optional), and garam masala, common in royal kitchens.
Tomatoes and onions: A later addition during British-Indian culinary evolution for balance in flavor and texture.
Modern Day Shahi Paneer:
Today, Shahi Paneer is a signature offering in nearly every North Indian restaurant globally. It has evolved with regional variations—some prefer it sweeter with raisins and saffron, while others prefer a mildly spicy, creamy tomato-onion base. Regardless of the variant, it continues to symbolize rich, festive, and comforting North Indian cuisine
Conclusion:
Shahi Paneer is not just a dish but a culinary heirloom from India’s royal kitchens, preserving the essence of Mughal grandeur and adapting gracefully into modern vegetarian gastronomy
Why You’ll Love Shahi Paneer
Rich & Creamy Texture: The velvety gravy made with cashews, cream, and butter delivers a luxurious mouthfeel that melts in every bite.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Mildly spiced yet flavorful — a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, subtle sweetness, and rich dairy elements.
Restaurant-Style at Home: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the same rich, indulgent taste that you love from fine dining restaurants.
Vegetarian Protein Powerhouse: Made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), it’s a satisfying, protein-rich dish perfect for vegetarians.
Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved: The gentle spices and creamy sauce make it universally loved by kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it's a festive meal, dinner party, or weekend treat, Shahi Paneer adds a royal touch to any menu.
Pairs Beautifully: Goes wonderfully with naan, roti, jeera rice, or even basmati rice- offering versatility in serving.
Timeless Royal Dish: Enjoy a piece of India’s rich culinary heritage with every bite — a dish that’s stood the test of time from royal Mughal kitchens to modern homes
Utensils & Appliances Needed for Shahi Paneer
🔥 Cooking Utensils:
Heavy-Bottomed Kadhai / Pan: For sautéing onions, tomatoes, and preparing the gravy without burning.
Non-Stick Pan or Tawa (Optional): For lightly frying paneer (optional step for added texture).
Blender / Mixer Grinder: To blend the cooked onion-tomato-cashew mixture into a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Spatula / Wooden Spoon: For stirring the gravy and sautéing ingredients.
Ladle: For serving the gravy cleanly.
Knife & Chopping Board: For chopping onions, tomatoes, and garnishes.
⚙️ Appliances
Gas Stove / Induction Cooktop: Primary heat source for cooking.
Blender / Mixer Grinder: Essential for making silky, restaurant-style gravy.
🥣 Serving Utensils:
Serving Bowl: Deep and wide for presenting the Shahi Paneer with garnishing.
Small Bowls / Plates: For accompaniments like naan, roti, rice, or salad.
Optional but Useful
Fine Mesh Strainer (Optional): For extra-smooth gravy by straining after blending (restaurant-style finish).
Grater (Optional): For finely grating paneer as garnish
👨🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Shahi Paneer
Paneer Tips:
Use fresh, soft paneer for the best texture. Homemade paneer or high-quality store-bought paneer works well.
Soak paneer cubes in warm water for 5–7 minutes before adding to the gravy to keep them soft and moist.
Gravy Perfection:
Sauté onions until they are soft and golden—not overly browned—to maintain the light color and sweetness of the gravy.
Cook the tomatoes thoroughly until the oil begins to separate for a deeper, richer flavor.
Blend the gravy base (onions, tomatoes, and cashews) until completely smooth. Straining the gravy after blending gives a silky, restaurant-style texture.
Balancing Flavors:
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes and the richness of the dairy.
Adjust kasuri methi carefully; a little goes a long way in adding that signature aroma.
Finish with fresh cream and butter at the end for a glossy, luxurious texture.
Cooking Techniques:
Always cook the blended gravy on medium to low heat after adding cream to prevent curdling.
For an extra touch of smokiness, lightly grill the paneer cubes on a tawa or pan before adding them to the gravy (optional but enhances flavor).
Storage Tips:
Shahi Paneer tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors deepen.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Presentation Tip:
Garnish with cream swirls, butter blobs, crushed kasuri methi, and fresh coriander leaves before serving to give it that irresistible restaurant-style look
Shahi paneer recipe (Quick View)
1.Recipe Name: Shahi Paneer
2.Prep Time: 15-20 mins
3.Cook Time: 20-25 mins
4.Total Time: 35-40 mins
5.Servings: 3–5
6.Cuisine: North Indian
7.Best Served With: Naan, Roti, Jeera Rice
Ingredients with Benefits
1.Paneer (Cottage Cheese) 200–250 g Rich in protein & calcium
2.Tomatoes 2 medium High in antioxidants, adds tanginess
3.Onion 1 medium Adds depth and mild sweetness
4.Cashew nuts 10–12 Gives creaminess & healthy fats
5.Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp Boosts digestion, natural antibiotic
6.Fresh Cream ¼ cup Rich texture, luxurious flavor
7.Ghee or Oil 2 tbsp Adds richness & aroma
8.Spices (Turmeric, Chili, Garam Masala) To taste Traditional Indian flavor boosters
9.Salt As per taste Enhances flavor
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
(Detailed)
🔸 Step 1: Make the Gravy Base
Heat 1 tbsp oil/ghee in a pan. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, cashews, ginger, and garlic 
Sauté on medium flame until tomatoes soften and onions turn translucent (about 8–10 minutes)
Let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and grind into a smooth paste like this 
Step 2:cut paneer in cube
🔸 Step 3: Cook the Masala
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil or ghee. Add the blended paste and cook for 4–5 minutes.
Add turmeric,coriander powder, red chili powder and salt. Cook until oil separates.
Pour in ½ to 1 cup water to adjust consistency. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
🔸 Step 4: Add Paneer and Cream
Add paneer cubes gently into the gravy
Pour in fresh cream and mix lightly
Sprinkle garam masala and cardamom powder, stir once.
Cover and simmer for 4–5 minutes. Turn off heat.
Garnish with chopped coriander or an extra swirl of cream.
🧂 Cooking Tips & Substitutions
No onion garlic version: Skip onions and garlic for a Jain-style or Satvik recipe.
Cashew substitute: You can use melon seeds or blanched almonds.
Extra creamy version: Add 1 tbsp milk powder or 2 tbsp milk while cooking the gravy.
Paneer Tip: Soak store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes to make it soft
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Shahi Paneer
Best Served With
Indian Breads
- Butter Naan
- Garlic Naan
- Tandoori Roti
- Lachha Paratha
- Plain Chapati
Rice Varieties:
- Steamed Basmati Rice
- Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
- Peas Pulao
- Saffron Rice
Accompaniments
- Fresh Green Salad (Onion rings, cucumber, tomato, and lemon wedges)
- Boondi Raita or Cucumber Raita
- Pickles (Achar)
- Roasted Papad
Beverage Pairings
- Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk
- Sweet Lassi or Mango Lassi
- Masala Chai (for a complete Indian meal experience)
Occasions to Serve
- Perfect for festive meals, family gatherings, dinner parties, or weekend treats.
- An ideal vegetarian main course for celebrations like Diwali, Eid, weddings, or house parties
7 Common FAQs on Shahi Paneer
1. What ingredients are used in Shahi Paneer?
Shahi Paneer includes paneer, tomatoes, onions, cashews, cream, and aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder.
2. How much paneer can I eat in a day?
About 100–150 grams per day is ideal for adults, depending on activity level and digestion.
3. Is it healthy to eat paneer?
Yes, paneer is high in protein and calcium, beneficial for bones and muscles. Consume in moderation if on a low-fat diet.
4. How can I identify pure paneer?
Pure paneer is white, soft, and doesn't break easily. It has no sour smell and retains shape when pressed.
5. How much paneer is made from 1 liter of milk?
You get approximately 200–250 grams of paneer from 1 liter of full-fat milk.
6. Which paneer brand is best?
Amul, Mother Dairy, and fresh homemade paneer are considered top choices in India.
7. Which cream is used in Shahi Paneer?
Fresh dairy cream (like Amul Fresh Cream) is ideal. Homemade malai can also be used
See also
Potato soup recipes click here
Noodles soup recipes. Click here
Tomato soup recipes. Click here
Masala Coffee recipes. Click here
Masala chai(tea)recipes. Click here
Shahi paneer recipe. Click here
Go for home page. Click here
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