Hindustan Famous Shahi paneer recipe

Shahi Paneer is a popular Indian dish that originated in the Mughlai cuisine. It is a rich, creamy curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and a flavorful blend of spices, nuts, and cream. Here's a basic recipe for Shahi Paneer:

Ingredients:

• 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.
4. Drain the soaked cashew nuts and grind them into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor. Add this paste to the pan and mix well.
5. Stir in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and cardamom powder. Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to release their flavour.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the milk or cream, stirring continuously to prevent the mixture from curdling.
7. Add salt to taste and simmer the curry for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Gently add the paneer cubes to the curry and mix well, ensuring that the paneer is coated with the sauce.
9. Cover the pan and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the paneer to absorb the curry flavours.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
11. Serve Shahi Paneer hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Note: You can adjust the consistency of the curry by adding more milk or cream if desired. Additionally, some variations of Shahi Paneer include saffron, dried fruits like raisins or almonds, and a touch of honey for added sweetness. Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Enjoy your Shahi Paneer!