Shahi Paneer is one of the most loved North Indian dishes, known for its rich, creamy texture and mildly spiced, aromatic gravy. This dish has long been associated with royalty, as “Shahi” literally means “royal” in Persian. The silky combination of paneer cubes cooked in a luscious gravy made with cashews, cream, and aromatic spices makes it a true indulgence. Traditionally served with naan, roti, or jeera rice, Shahi Paneer is often the star of festive meals and special occasions in Indian households.
The origin of Shahi Paneer dates back to the Mughal era when rich, luxurious gravies became a hallmark of royal kitchens. The dish was crafted to reflect opulence and grandeur, using premium ingredients like nuts, saffron, and fresh cream. Over time, it became a staple of North Indian cuisine and is now popular across the country and abroad. From weddings to restaurant menus, this dish continues to charm food lovers with its decadent flavors.
Unlike many spicy curries, Shahi Paneer has a delicate balance of sweet and savory notes, making it appealing to all age groups. The creamy sauce absorbs the aroma of cardamom, saffron, and ghee, creating a melt-in-mouth experience. While the authentic version uses full-fat cream and generous ghee, many modern recipes offer lighter versions without compromising on taste, ensuring everyone can enjoy this royal delicacy at home.
Shahi Paneer’s popularity is also fueled by its versatility. It pairs beautifully with Indian breads like naan and paratha, as well as fragrant rice dishes like pulao or biryani. Whether prepared for festive dinners, family gatherings, or casual weekend indulgence, this dish never fails to impress.
Shahi Paneer Ingredients
Serves: 4 people
- Paneer – 250 g (cubed)
- Ghee – 3 tbsp
- Onion – 2 medium (chopped)
- Ginger – 1 tbsp (grated)
- Garlic – 1 tbsp (minced)
- Green chilies – 2 (slit)
- Cashew nuts – 10–12 (soaked)
- Tomato puree – 1 cup
- Fresh cream – ½ cup
- Milk – ½ cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Saffron strands – a few (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
Steps
- Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan and sauté chopped onions until golden brown. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and sauté for a minute.
- Add soaked cashew nuts and cook for another minute. Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste with little water.
- Heat the remaining ghee in the same pan, add the prepared paste, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and let the spices cook for a minute.
- Lower the heat and add milk, fresh cream, and saffron milk. Stir continuously to avoid curdling. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens and turns creamy.
- Add paneer cubes and garam masala. Gently mix and cook for 3–4 minutes on low flame.
- Garnish with cardamom powder and extra cream before serving hot with naan or jeera rice.
Health Benefits
Shahi Paneer, though rich and indulgent, offers a good amount of protein and calcium from paneer. Cashews and milk add healthy fats and essential minerals. To make it healthier, you can use low-fat cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream and reduce ghee. Pairing it with whole wheat roti or brown rice makes it a more balanced meal.
Kitchen Tip: Always add paneer cubes at the end and cook on low heat to keep them soft and prevent breaking.