Ultimate Shahi Paneer Recipe (Mughlai & Restaurant Style) 🌟
Shahi Paneer literally means “Royal Paneer.” This dish comes from the Mughal kitchens, known for rich, creamy gravies infused with nuts, saffron, and aromatic spices. It’s milder than Paneer Butter Masala but richer, with an emphasis on cream, nuts, and fragrant spices.
🛒 Ingredients List
For the Shahi Gravy Base:
- 2 tbsp ghee (for deep aroma)
- 1 tbsp oil (for balance)
- 2 tbsp butter (for silkiness)
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves (adds depth)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large tomatoes (pureed)
- 12-15 cashews (for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp melon seeds (magaz) (optional, for extra smoothness)
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (khus-khus) (optional, for royal taste)
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1-inch ginger
- 1 green chili (optional, for mild spice)
For the Main Curry:
- 200g paneer (cut into cubes or triangles)
- ½ cup fresh cream (for silkiness)
- ½ cup milk (balances richness)
- 1 tbsp yogurt (whisked, optional) (for Mughlai tanginess)
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for vibrant color, not spice)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances flavors)
- 10 raisins (for mild sweetness, optional)
- 6-7 chopped almonds (for rich texture, optional)
- 1 tbsp saffron milk (soak a few saffron strands in warm milk, optional but authentic!)
For Garnishing:
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Slivered almonds & cashews
- A few strands of saffron
👑 Step-by-Step Instructions
🌟 Step 1: Preparing the Shahi Gravy Base
1️⃣ Heat ghee + oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
2️⃣ Add bay leaf, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
3️⃣ Add onions and cook on medium heat until golden brown. (This enhances the taste!)
4️⃣ Add ginger, garlic, green chili, cashews, poppy seeds, and melon seeds. Sauté for 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil starts separating (about 5-6 minutes).
6️⃣ Turn off the heat and let this mixture cool. Blend it into a super smooth paste. (For an ultra-creamy texture, strain it through a sieve!)
🌟 Step 2: Cooking the Gravy
1️⃣ In the same pan, heat butter and pour the blended gravy back in.
2️⃣ Add turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
3️⃣ Add milk and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4️⃣ Add whisked yogurt (optional) and cream. Stir continuously to avoid curdling.
5️⃣ Mix in sugar, raisins, almonds, and saffron milk. Cook for 2 more minutes.
🌟 Step 3: Adding Paneer & Final Touches
1️⃣ Add paneer cubes and mix gently so they absorb the flavors.
2️⃣ Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
3️⃣ Cook for just 2 minutes—don’t overcook, or paneer will get chewy.
4️⃣ Garnish with chopped coriander, slivered almonds, and extra saffron strands.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Ultimate Shahi Paneer
✔ Use fresh homemade paneer for the best texture. If using store-bought, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes.
✔ Cashews + melon seeds + poppy seeds = the secret to royal texture!
✔ Whisked yogurt gives a slight tangy twist, making it more Mughlai.
✔ If you want a smoky effect, heat a piece of charcoal, place it in a bowl inside the curry, drizzle with ghee, cover, and let it sit for 2 minutes.
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Shahi Paneer
- With Indian Breads: Butter Naan, Garlic Naan, Lachha Paratha, Tandoori Roti
- With Rice: Jeera Rice, Ghee Rice, Pulao, or Saffron Rice
- With Sides: Onion Salad, Mango Chutney, Cucumber Raita
🎭 Creative Variations of Shahi Paneer
🔥 Spicy Version: Add black pepper powder and extra green chilies.
🥥 Vegan Version: Replace paneer with tofu, cream with coconut cream, and milk with almond milk.
🍯 Sweet & Nutty Version: Add a teaspoon of honey and blend a few soaked almonds into the gravy.
🎉 Final Thoughts – Why This Shahi Paneer is the Best?
✔ Authentic Mughlai flavors with cashews, almonds, saffron, and yogurt.
✔ Smooth, silky, restaurant-style texture with secret ingredients.
✔ Perfectly balanced richness without being too heavy.
