Punjabi Style Shahi Paneer

My family loves to eat Paneer.So I always try to make Paneer in different style.Today I am sharing with you punjabi style shahi paneer recipe.

Shahi Paneer is a north Indian style rich creamy flavorful paneer dish where paneer is cooked in almonds & cashew nuts based tomato gravy with regular spices.

So here is the delicious punjabi style shahi paneer recipe for all you paneer lovers.I love to serving this with Parathas or Naan or Rice.

---

Ingredients For Making Punjabi Style Shahi Paneer Recipe:

For Making Shahi Masala Paste:

• 4 - Green chillies

• 1.5 cup - Cubed onions

• 2 - Tomatoes,diced

• 1 inch - Ginger

• 4 - Garlic pods

• 7 to 8 - Cashew nuts

• 5 to 6 - Almonds (soak in warm water & remove skin)

• 3 to 4 - Green cardamoms

• 3 to 4 - Cloves

• 1 inch - Cinnamon stick

• 1.5 cup - Lukewarm water

Other Ingredients:

• 300 gm - Paneer ( Cottage cheese)

• 1/2 tsp - Shah jeera or Cumin seeds

• 1 tsp - Turmeric powder

• 1 tsp - Kashmiri red chili powder

• 1/2 tsp - Crushed black pepper

• ¼ Cup - Cream (optional)

• 2 tsp - Garam masala

• Salt as per taste

• 2 tbsp - Vegetable oil (or as required)

• 1.5 tsp - Kasuri methi

• 1 pinch Saffron for garnishing (optional)

Preparation :

•Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan,add cashew,almonds,cloves,cardamom,cinnamon into it,saute them for 2-3 minutes.

•Now add onions,green chillies,ginger,garlic pods in to the same pan and fry them for 5-6 minutes.

•Add tomatoes and mix it well and saute them for another 3 minutes.Now add 2 cups lukewarm water into the pan,put the flame on high and cover the pan with lid and bring it to boil.

•When water starts boiling,turn the heat to medium and cook it for another 5 minutes.When all the ingredients get soft turn off the flame.Transfer it in the mixer grinder jar.And keep aside till completely cool down.

•Now grind the mixture into a fine paste.

•If you want to fry Paneers you can do it and after fry keep the fried Paneer soak in hot water for 10 minutes.It helps to soften the Paneer.Otherwise skip this step fully.

•Now heat the same pan add 1 tbsp oil or as needed.

•Add shah jeera or cumin seeds,when it starts spluttering,turn the flame to medium and add the prepared masala paste in to the pan.

•Cook masala for 5 minutes.Then add  turmeric powder,chili powder,crushed black pepper and salt according to taste and mix them well.Fry them until oil starts to separate from the masala.

•When all the moisture evaporates from masala,add 1 cup water or more(according to gravy thickness).Bring water to boil in high heat.

•Turn the flame to medium and cook for 5 minutes.Now add the paneer cubes,give a gentle mix.Add salt If needed & cook with lid for 5 minutes.Don’t overcook after adding Paneer.

•Add garam masala,kasuri methi mix well & cook for 2 minutes.

•At last add cream mix well and turn off the flame.Add little saffron over the Shahi Paneer and transfer it into a bowl and enjoy it hot with any Parathas/Naan/Rice.

---