Best Easy Shahi Paneer Recipe

Shahi paneer is a royal Mughlai vegetarian curry with cashew-cream sauce, saffron, and aromatic cardamom. This rich, high protein vegetarian dish makes any family dinner feel like a celebration.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • paneer 14 oz
  • cashews 0.5 cup
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • heavy cream 0.5 cup
  • milk 0.5 cup
  • tomato 1 large
  • green chili 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ghee 2 tbsp
  • saffron threads 0.25 tsp
  • ground cardamom 0.5 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • ground turmeric 0.25 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 21%
Protein 19 g 18%
Fat 29 g 61%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the cashews in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain and blend them with milk into a smooth, silky paste.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green chili, sautéing gently until translucent but not browned (5-7 minutes).

  3. 3

    Add chopped tomato, salt, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the tomato softens and the mixture thickens (about 6 minutes).

  4. 4

    Stir in ground cardamom, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the cashew-milk paste and cook on low heat, stirring to prevent sticking, for 3-4 minutes.

  5. 5

    Pour in the heavy cream and saffron threads (pre-soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk). Stir until incorporated. Add paneer cubes, simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, gently folding to avoid breaking the paneer. Check seasoning and let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally.

  6. 6

    Turn off heat and let the curry rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Shahi Paneer recipe?
Paneer is the star ingredient, providing a rich and creamy texture and high-quality vegetarian protein. The savory base of cashews and cream, combined with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron, gives this curry its signature royal Mughlai flavor profile and luxurious mouthfeel.
Q. How do I ensure the paneer stays soft and doesn't overcook in this curry?
After adding the paneer cubes, gently simmer the curry on low heat for 5-7 minutes, folding the cubes rather than stirring vigorously. This prevents the paneer from breaking and keeps it soft. Overcooking or boiling rapidly can cause paneer to turn rubbery.
Q. Which spice makes the biggest flavor impact in Shahi Paneer?
Ground cardamom is essential for the authentic aroma and regal essence of Shahi Paneer. Saffron threaded in warm milk enhances subtlety and color, while garam masala and coriander build warm, balanced undertones.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains about 420 kcal, with 19g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. Protein contributes about 18% of the total calories, making this a satisfying and moderately high-protein vegetarian dish.
Q. What makes the sauce so creamy without using too much cream?
The sauce's distinctive creaminess comes from blending soaked cashews with milk and then simmering this mixture gently with heavy cream. This layering ensures a luxurious, silky mouthfeel without relying solely on cream.
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