Shahi Paneer Creamy Delight (Printer-Friendly)
A royal North Indian dish with paneer, fragrant spices, almonds, and cream, great for festive meals.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Spices and Whole Spices
01 -
1 tsp black peppercorns
02 -
1 bay leaf
03 -
1 tsp cumin seeds
04 -
1-inch cinnamon stick
05 -
0.5 tsp whole cloves
06 -
3 cardamom pods
07 -
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
08 -
1 tsp chili powder
09 -
1 tsp coriander powder
10 -
0.5 tsp cumin powder
11 -
1 tsp salt
12 -
1 tsp sugar
→ Aromatics and Nuts
13 -
1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
14 -
4 garlic cloves, crushed
15 -
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
16 -
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
17 -
2 tbsp blanched almonds
→ Dairy and Other
18 -
2 tbsp oil
19 -
2 tbsp butter
20 -
0.25 cup plain yogurt (curd)
21 -
0.25 cup fresh cream
22 -
20 cubes paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
23 -
Few strands of kesar (saffron)
24 -
2 tbsp kasuri methi, crushed
25 -
2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add black peppercorns, bay leaf, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté until fragrant.
02 -
Add chopped ginger, crushed garlic, and sliced onions to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions turn golden brown.
03 -
Add sliced tomatoes and blanched almonds to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
04 -
Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender. Add plain yogurt and blend to a smooth paste. Optionally, pass the puree through a sieve for an extra creamy texture.
05 -
In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt butter with a little oil over low heat. Add turmeric, chili, coriander, and cumin powders. Sauté gently until aromatic.
06 -
Add the prepared spice paste to the pan. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until oil starts to separate on the surface.
07 -
Season the curry with salt and sugar. Add kesar strands for a royal aroma and color.
08 -
Gently add paneer cubes to the curry. Stir carefully to coat the paneer without breaking. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
09 -
Sprinkle crushed kasuri methi and chopped fresh coriander over the curry. Turn off heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Use natural pressure cooker release for best paneer texture. When reheating, add a splash of fresh cream to maintain richness and smoothness.