Shahi Paneer (Restaurant Style) - Punjabi Shahi Paneer

Shahi Paneer is a Popular Punjabi Gravy recipe, simmered in dry fruits Paste & yogurt. Shahi Means 'Royal', Shahi Paneer is a Royal Rich Gravy made up of dry fruits,Cream,Saffron & some Whole Spices. This Gravy Pairs well with Jeera Rice, Roti,Naan,Phulka's or Chapathi. This Gravy is an Mild,Creamy, Rich Gravy with distinct taste.The taste of this Gravy is So unique when Compared with other Paneer Gravies.Now we will seee the Preparation of Gravy.

Shahi Paneer

 Prep Time :  10   min. 

Cook Time : 30   minutes.

Recipe Category: Paneer Recipes

Recipe Cusine:Punjabi

Serves:4

 Ingredients

Paneer - 200 gms.

yogurt -1/2 Cup.

Milk - 1/2 cup.

Saffron strands  - 4. 

Cream - 2 tbsp (optional)

Ginger - 1/2 inch.

Garlic - 4. 

Salt - to taste

Butter/Ghee/Oil - 2 tbsp.

Coriander leaves - to Garnish.

For the Paste

Onion -1 (big).

Cashews - 10.

Almonds - 8.

Green chillies -1.

Whole Spices

Cinnamon - 1.

Cloves -2.

Cardomom -2.

Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp.

 Spice Powders

Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp.

Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp.

Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp.

Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp.

Preparation

Crush Ginger- Garlic Paste in a Mortar & Pestle.

Whisk the yogurt till smooth. 

Soak the saffron strands  in warm milk for 15 minutes.

Method

• In a vessel add Chopped onions,Almonds,Cashews & Green chillies. Add 2 cups of water  & boil it for 8 - 10 minutes, till onions turns Soft.
• Then drain the water completely from it & keep the stock aside.

• Grind Cooked Onion,Almonds,Cashews & chillies into a fine Puree.
• Heat the oil or melt the butter, add whole spices such as cinnamon,cloves,cardamom  & cumin seeds.
• Saute till  it turns aromatic, add crushed Ginger Garlic Paste,Saute for few minutes till raw smell disappears.

•  Add Ground Onion Paste, add 2 tbsp of water, saute the paste  for 5 - 6 minutes, without burning the paste.
• Add chilli Powder,Coriander Powder, Turmeric Powder,salt. Give a quick mix.

                          

•   Add whisked yogurt, remaining stock. Cook for few minutes, till the gravy thickens.                      

•  if using cream add it,then add saffron milk. Give a mix.

•  Add Cubed Paneer, let it cook for few minutes  2   minutes in a medium low flame, till the paneer turns soft.

• Then add Garam Masala, mix well.Cook for 2 more minutes.  

•  Finally Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes 

• For  Sourness, yogurt is used instead of tomatoes.
•  you can also add melon seeds while boiling almonds,cashews.
• Adding cream is optional.
• if using tomatoes add cream, for Good taste.
•  Finally  you can add few drops of kewra water for rich aroma.