Shahi Paneer
The term “paneer” comes from the word “peynir” and means “cheese” in the Turkish and Persian Languages. The Persian and Afghan rulers introduced the modern paneer in the 16th century, primarily in North India. Usually made with either goat or sheep rennet, paneer formed an integral part of Persian, continental and oriental vegetarian cuisines. Paneer or Cottage Cheese is commonly made from cow or buffalo milk. Boiling milk is curdled by adding vinegar or vegetable-derived acid, after which the milk solids are drained through a muslin cloth. After the extra whey is removed, the cheese is cubed into pieces. This unsalted paneer or chena has a subtle and mild taste of its own, which helps it soak up the flavours of the treasured spices that are cooked to make the most delectable paneer recipes. What’s more amazing is that this non-melting cheese doesn’t require a long cooking time. Whether fried, grilled, wrapped or cooked, versatile and humble paneer suits the meat-free diet of vegetarians. Similar to the Mughlai style of preparation, Shahi Paneer is a classic north Indian or Punjabi curry made with paneer in dry fruit sauce. Unlike the other traditional paneer dishes like
Kadai Paneer, the gravy of this Shahi Paneer Recipe is sweet and smooth in taste rendered by the use of onion, nuts, yoghurt and cream. The spongy and slightly chewy texture of paneer complements the rich gravy that gives out the aroma of the spices infused. If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish, try this restaurant style Shahi Paneer Recipe at home to give your family or guests a royal treat.
Yummy and nutritious, paneer offers a host of health benefits for our body. Apart from strengthening our immune system, it keeps our tummy full for a long time. Low-fat paneer is lesser in calorie content which aids in weight-loss. Paneer contains calcium that makes teeth and bones strong and boosts our immune system. Including paneer as a part of our regular diet ensures a healthy digestive system; magnesium regulates and maintains blood sugar level while its vitamin D content reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. Remember that the milk that is chosen determines the quality of paneer that it yields. Full cream milk lends extra richness to the Shahi Paneer Recipe. The use of tomatoes gives the Shahi Paneer gravy a tangy twist which can be balanced out with the addition of more cream to the Shahi Paneer Sabji. Sprinkling kewra or rose water to this Shahi Paneer Ki Sabji before turning off the gas gives it a fragrant punch. Vegans can substitute paneer with paneer in your Shahi Paneer Recipe. Cooking Shahi Paneer Sabji with Sunflower oil is a better alternative due to its neutral taste than any other stronger oils like mustard oil or olive oil. Keeping paneer cubes soaked in warm water till they are cooked in Shahi Paneer Ki Sabji safeguards their softness. Reheating Shahi Paneer Masala on high flame might make the milk and yoghurt curdle. So simmer on low heat and keep the lid of the pan covered once cooked to avoid the paneer getting hard. Shallow frying the paneer cubes until light brown in ghee or butter strips them of their raw taste.
The exotic Shahi paneer ingredients lend this dish a luxuriously silky texture. While making Shahi Paneer at Home, use only freshly ground spices or ground pastes to make your Shahi Paneer Dish. Grinding releases their essential oils that blend well with the Shahi Paneer curry when cooked slowly in medium heat to release an amazing aroma offering the ultimate sensory experience. However, if one of those busy moms is trying to whip up the tastiest Shahi Paneer Ki Sabji that requires less time and effort, it’s fine to use pre-ground readily available spices available in the supermarkets to stock up in a cool dark cabinet. Be it any festival, special occasion or weekend dinner; you can find most of your Shahi paneer ingredients easily found in your kitchen pantry. Shahi paneer requires minimal cooking while it can be made within 25 minutes so that you can finish your kitchen chores on time.
Homemade Paneer tastes fresher than store-bought paneer as the latter may contain harmful additives or starch.
Paneer Bhurji is a front-runner among the easy paneer recipes that can be made when you’re in a hurry to put up a meal. Just scramble the paneer cubes with the choicest spices, onion and tomato to accompany it with any flatbread or toast. Chop up some fresh coriander leaves and add a dash of lemon to your dish to make it more appealing for even the fussiest eaters. Flavour-packed and healthy,
Mattar Paneer is quite popular among the super-quick North Indian gravy paneer dishes. Paneer cubes are dunked in a creamy blanched onion, tomato and cashew-based gravy to offer you a pleasant gourmet delight. In case you’re unable to find fresh peas of the season, you can make this dish with frozen peas that are available round the year. Adding kasuri methi at the end lends this dish a unique flavour. Those who prefer a lighter version of their Shahi Paneer Masala can opt for
Paneer Korma that may also be considered as a Mughlai dish in its own right. The use of ingredients like nuts, coconut, poppy seeds, onion, ginger and thick yoghurt lends its gravy sauce a spicy but delectable touch.
Those craving for Punjabi Dhaba style
Paneer Masala can pan-fry paneer in a bright and vibrant gravy made with onion, ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree. However, your Shahi Paneer Masala is a standalone dish that can be scooped up with your favourite Indian flatbreads like
Garlic Naan , roti, phulka or paratha to satiate your hunger and tickle your taste buds. If you’re a rice lover you can enjoy this royal paneer dish with jeera rice, ghee rice or any other variations of basmati rice.
Eaten as street food or a restaurant delicacy, paneer has made its way to the hearts of millions of its fans over the ages. Every household may have their own style of making their paneer recipes, but whether served as a starter, snack, appetizer or side dish, this milky wonder is loved by people of all ages. Keeping pace with its ever-growing popularity, you can learn the art of making the best Shahi Paneer recipe and surprise your friends and family with your newly acquired culinary skills.