Shahi Paneer Masala Recipe - Serves 4

A rich, creamy North Indian delicacy made with soft paneer cubes simmered in a royal, spiced gravy.

Ingredients

• Paneer (cottage cheese): 250 grams (cubed)

• Onion (finely chopped): 2 medium

• Tomato (pureed): 2 large

• Garlic paste: 1 tsp

• Ginger paste: 1 tsp

• Ghee or Butter: 2 tbsp

• Salt: To taste

• Fresh cream: 3 tbsp

• Cashew nuts (soaked): 8–10

• Sugar (optional): ½ tsp

• Green chilli (optional): 1 slit

• Shahi Paneer Masala: 2 tbsp

• Kasuri methi (crushed): 1 tsp

• Water: ½ to ¾ cup

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté the Base
   Heat 2 tbsp ghee or butter in a pan. Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
   Stir in 1 tsp each of ginger and garlic paste. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.

3. Cook Tomato Puree
   Add the tomato puree. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the oil starts to separate.

4. Add Cashew Paste
   Blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste. Add it to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes.

5. Spice it Up
   Add 2 tbsp Shahi Paneer Masala, salt, and optionally ½ tsp sugar and 1 slit green chilli. Mix well.

6. Adjust Gravy
   Pour in ½ to ¾ cup water to get your desired consistency. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

7. Add Paneer
   Gently add the paneer cubes. Mix softly and cook on low flame for 3–5 minutes.

8. Creamy Finish
   Add 3 tbsp fresh cream and 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi. Mix gently and switch off the flame.

9. Garnish & Serve
   Garnish with a swirl of cream and fresh coriander. Serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.