- 250g Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 medium-sized Onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized Tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Cashews
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cream
- 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter) or Oil
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Garlic Paste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 4-5 Green Cardamom Pods
- 4-5 Cloves
- 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
- A pinch of Saffron strands (optional)
- Chopped Nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) for garnish
- Salt to taste
Preparing the PaneerStart by cutting the paneer into cubes and soaking them in warm water to keep them soft. You can also shallow fry the paneer cubes to add a crispy texture to the dish. Making the Shahi GravyIn a pan, sauté chopped onions and tomatoes until they turn golden brown. Add cashews and cook them until soft. Let the mixture cool and then blend it into a smooth paste. In another pan, heat some oil or ghee and add the blended paste, along with a mix of aromatic spices. Stir and cook the gravy until it thickens. Blending Flavors TogetherAdd the paneer cubes to the thickened gravy and let them simmer together, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors. Finish off with a drizzle of fresh cream and garnish with chopped nuts and saffron strands. Serving and PresentationShahi Paneer is best enjoyed with Indian bread, such as naan or roti, or steamed basmati rice. The creamy texture of the dish pairs well with the softness of the bread or the fluffiness of the rice. To add a touch of elegance, serve the dish in ornate serving bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of saffron on top.
