Traditional Shahi Paneer recipe

What is Shahi Paneer?

Shahi Paneer is the ultimate creamy, dreamy, and indulgent North Indian dish that truly lives up to its name! The word Shahi means “royal,” and this dish is just that—rich, luxurious, and packed with aromatic flavors.

It’s made with soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) swimming in a silky-smooth gravy crafted from cashews, cream, tomatoes, and a blend of fragrant spices. Think of it as the fancier cousin of Paneer Butter Masala, with an extra dose of richness, mild sweetness, and an irresistible aroma.

Table of contents

• The Royal Origins of Shahi Paneer 👑
• Authentic Shahi Paneer Recipe 🍛
• Variations & Substitutes 🔄
• Difference between Shahi paneer and Paneer Butter masala
• What to Serve with Shahi Paneer 🍽
• FAQs About Shahi Paneer ❓
• Conclusion: A Dish Worthy of a Feast! 🍛

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The Royal Origins of Shahi Paneer 👑

This dish has Mughlai roots, dating back to the time when the Mughal emperors ruled India. Mughlai cuisine is known for its rich gravies, aromatic spices, and the use of nuts, saffron, and dairy, which were considered symbols of wealth and luxury.

Shahi Paneer was a dish fit for the royal courts, prepared with exotic spices, nuts, and sometimes even a touch of saffron for extra decadence. Today, it’s a beloved part of Indian cuisine, served in restaurants and homes alike, where it continues to make every meal feel special!

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Authentic Shahi Paneer Recipe 🍛

Now, let’s get to the star of the show—how to make Shahi Paneer at home!

Traditionally, Shahi Paneer does not require frying the paneer before adding it to the gravy. In authentic Mughlai-style cooking, paneer is added directly to keep it soft and creamy, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

However, if you prefer a slightly firmer or golden texture, you can:
✅ Lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in ghee for 1-2 minutes until they turn light golden.
✅ Soak fried paneer in warm water for 5 minutes to keep it soft before adding to the gravy.

But for the most authentic, melt-in-the-mouth experience, it’s best to add paneer as is!

Want to make homemade paneer recipe ? Check out the authentic and easy paneer making recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Gravy Base:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 10-12 cashews
• 2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup milk

For the Final Dish:

• 200g paneer (cubed)
• ¼ cup fresh cream
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• Chopped coriander and saffron strands for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat oil/butter in a pan. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamoms, and sauté for a few seconds.
2. Add onions and cashews, and cook until the onions turn golden.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add tomatoes, cook until soft, and then add milk. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Cool and blend this mixture into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

1. Heat butter in a pan and pour in the blended gravy.
2. Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Stir well.
3. Pour in water and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Royal Touch 👑

1. Add paneer cubes and mix gently.
2. Pour in fresh cream and kasuri methi, and stir to get that rich, creamy texture.
3. Simmer for another 2 minutes and garnish with saffron strands and chopped coriander.

Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice, and watch it disappear from the plate! 😍

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Variations & Substitutes 🔄

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas!

• Healthier Version: Skip the heavy cream and use Greek yogurt or blended tofu for creaminess.
• No Cashews? Use almonds or melon seeds instead for a nutty richness.
• Vegan Shahi Paneer? Swap paneer for tofu and use coconut cream or cashew paste instead of dairy.
• Spicier Version: Add a little more green chili or a pinch of black pepper for extra heat!

Difference between Shahi paneer and Paneer Butter masala

Aspect	Shahi Paneer	Paneer Butter Masala
Flavor Profile	Rich, creamy, mildly sweet, with saffron and nutty flavors	Rich, tangy, and savory with a hint of spice
Ingredients	Yogurt, cream, cashew paste, saffron, aromatic spices	Tomatoes, butter, cream, garam masala, kasuri methi, chili
Preparation Method	Delicate, smooth sauce, emphasizing subtle, aromatic spices	Tomato-based gravy, thicker sauce with butter and cream
Sweetness	Slightly sweet due to cashews and saffron	No sweetness, savory and slightly tangy
Texture	Creamy and luxurious with a velvety consistency	Thicker, richer texture with a slightly tangy gravy

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What to Serve with Shahi Paneer 🍽

• Breads: Buttery naan, tandoori roti, or lachha paratha soak up that creamy gravy like a dream!
• Rice: Pair it with jeera rice, pulao, or even simple steamed rice for a comforting meal.
• Sides: A fresh cucumber-onion salad, boondi raita, or pickled onions complement it beautifully!

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FAQs About Shahi Paneer ❓

1. Is Shahi Paneer very spicy?

Nope! It’s actually mild and slightly sweet, making it a great option for those who don’t like very spicy food.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Shahi Paneer tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water or milk.

3. What’s the difference between Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala?

While both are creamy and rich, Shahi Paneer has a more royal touch with cashews, cream, and mild flavors, whereas Paneer Butter Masala has a tangier, tomato-based taste with butter.

4. Can I use store-bought paneer?

Absolutely! But for softer, melt-in-the-mouth paneer, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

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Conclusion: A Dish Worthy of a Feast! 🍛

Shahi Paneer is not just a dish—it’s an experience! The creamy texture, mild sweetness, and rich flavors make it a true royal treat for special occasions, weekend dinners, or just when you want to indulge.

So, go ahead and cook like royalty—because every bite of this dish is worth savoring! 💛👑

Have you tried making Shahi Paneer at home? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! 😊🔥