Shahi Paneer Recipe

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 cup cashews, soaked in water
• 1/4 cup melon seeds, soaked in water
• 1/4 cup fresh cream
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Shahi Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup onions, finely sliced
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shahi Gravy:
   • Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
   • Blend the mixture into a smooth paste. This is your Shahi gravy base.
2. Prepare the Paneer:
   • Heat oil in a pan, add ginger-garlic paste, and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
   • Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
   • Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
   • Meanwhile, grind the soaked cashews and melon seeds into a fine paste.
   • Add the cashew and melon seed paste to the masala, cook for a few minutes, and then add fresh cream.
   • Add garam masala and mix well. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
   • Finally, add the paneer cubes and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Add butter and stir gently.
3. Combine Shahi Gravy and Paneer:
   • Add the prepared Shahi gravy to the paneer mixture and simmer for another 5 minutes.
   • Stir in milk, yogurt, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and sugar (if using). Adjust salt to taste.
4. Serve:
   • Shahi Paneer is ready to be served. Garnish with a drizzle of fresh cream and chopped coriander.
5. Enjoy:
   • Serve this delicious Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice. Enjoy the rich and royal flavors of this classic Indian dish!

Feel free to adjust the spice levels and creaminess according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Shahi Paneer!