Royal yet easy and quick shahi paneer recipe made from our homemade paneer cooked in just 40 minutes

 There are many non-vegetarian Mughlai recipes which are prepared with the     combination of Indian spices taking it to the next level. Today I am going to share with you one of the vegetarian Mughlai recipes that can be found on every party menu.

In my previous post I had prepared fresh paneer at home. Using the homemade paneer, I am preparing this royal dish which is popularly known as Shahi paneer and is made in a rich white gravy. One can also prepare it in red gravy using tomatoes.

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Shahi Paneer

Mughal period may have ended but their legacy of food which they left behind can be seen all around us. When we go to a restaurant, we can see numerous Mughlai recipes, we can prepare them at our home too. The main thing in Mughlai recipe is the creamy and rich gravy along with the Indian spices that makes it among the popular cuisine in the world.

 The creamy gravy which is prepared with malai/ cream along with cashew and other Indian spices makes this more tempting and one can’t stop oneself from over eating.

Many people use slightly different ingredients to prepare shahi paneer which makes it different in taste. I too have prepared shahi paneer using poppy seeds along with melon seeds, cream, curd, red chili powder, kasturi methi, garam masala, onions and cashew nuts.

Let’s start our recipe of shahi paneer by understanding the benefits of the major ingredients used in this wonderful recipe. 

Paneer Benefits

Who doesn’t want to eat paneer? It is loved and relished by all. There are numerous recipes that are prepared everyday across the world. The benefits are also many, some of which I have mentioned below: -

Protein rich

For non-vegetarians chicken, meat and fish are excellent sources of protein. For vegetarians, paneer is an excellent source of protein. This can be consumed cooked as well as raw.

Fights Cancer

Cottage cheese is rich in fat soluble content, vitamin D and protein which prevents breast cancer in women at an early stage.

Healthy bones and oral health

Calcium and protein together help in strengthening the bones in all age groups. Calcium also provides us with healthy oral health.

Good for weight loss

It is low on carbs and is a favorite among weight watchers as it provides them with much needed protein and calcium post workout session.

Aids in boosting our digestive system

Minerals like phosphorus and magnesium help in smooth functioning of our digestive system.

Prevents Diabetes

People suffering from diabetes too want to enjoy it like others. Paneer, being low in carbs, unlike other milk products can be enjoyed by diabetic patients. Magnesium helps in the prevention of sudden spike of blood sugar levels.

Increases immunity

In today’s time when new kinds of diseases are emerging a strong immune system is a must. This can be achieved by increasing the intake of vitamin B. Paneer has vitamin B which helps the growing kids in increasing concentration levels and their memory power.

Poppy seeds/khas khas benefits

Poppy seeds are loaded with numerous benefits, I will share some of them with you.

Loaded with vital vitamins and minerals

Poppy seeds are rich source of vitamins such as vitamin E and B6. They have numerous minerals which makes them even healthier to include in the diet. Minerals that can be found in them are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese.

Smooth Digestion

The insoluble fiber in poppy seeds aids the digestive system to function smoothly preventing one from constipation.

Lowers Bad Cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular diseases

Poppy seeds are rich in dietary fiber which helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Minerals like iron keep the blood circulation smooth. They keep the blood pressure within limits. Omega-3 fatty acids help in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Helpful for diabetic patients

Magnesium plays a significant role in controlling diabetes. Khas khas has magnesium in it which prevents sudden spike in sugar levels.

Cures and prevents kidney stones

Poppy seeds are loaded with potassium which aids in curing the kidney stones and there prevention in future.

Strong Bones

Minerals like calcium and copper help strengthen our bones. Manganese in poppy seeds prevents one from severe bone damage by generating protein collagen.

Melon Seeds

Melon seeds are a rich source of vitamin A which keeps our vision sharp. Minerals like potassium keep the blood pressure in control, making the cardiovascular system function smoothly. These seeds are small but do you know that they help to reduce stress by increasing the level of oxygen in the body.

Cashew Nuts

Cashew is relished all across the world in numerous forms such as in preparation of gravy, garnishing sweets or having them in roasted form. Harvesting them is a labor intensive which makes them costly in comparison to others. They contain vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and manganese.

Ingredients (serve - 4 pax)

200 grams paneer

3 tbsp. oil

1/2 cup or one large onion chopped finely

2 tbsp. melon seeds/magaj

1 tbsp. poppy seeds/khas khas

8-10 cashew nuts

2 tsp. ginger garlic paste

2 tbsp. cream/malai

4 tbsp. curd

4 tbsp. milk

1/2 tsp. salt or to taste

1/4th tsp. red chili powder or to taste

1 tsp. garam masala

2 tbsp. kasturi methi (optional)

2, tbsp. coriander leaves chopped

For tadka tempering

1 tsp. jeera cumin

2 cloves

2 small green cardamoms broken 

1 inch cinnamon stick

Photo wise Steps

Soak melon seeds magaj, poppy seeds and cashew nuts in 1/4th cup of water and leave aside for at least 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. 

Add the tempering ingredients. Stir for 30 seconds.

Add the chopped onions and ginger garlic paste. Stir for 2 minutes.

After the onions have slightly cooled (5 minutes), add all ingredients except paneer and coriander leaves and kasturi methi.

Grind curd, malai milk mixture, cashew melon poppy seeds, seasoning and sauteed onions everything together to a smooth paste.

Put the contents of the grinder into the pan and cook for 1.5 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup water into the grinder to rinse off and use the precious paste left inside and add it to the pan.

Let it come to boil then add the paneer cubes and cook for 2 minutes.

Add coriander leaves and kasturi methi and put off the gas. Our exotic, shahi paneer dish is ready.

Video

Method

1) Soak melon seeds magaj, poppy seeds and cashew nuts in 1/4th cup of water and leave aside for at least 30 minutes

2) Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the tempering and stir for 30 seconds.

3) Add the chopped onions and ginger garlic paste and stir for 2 minutes

4) After the onions have slightly cooled (5mins), add all ingredients except paneer and coriander leaves and kasturi methi.

5) Grind curd, malai milk mixture, cashew melon poppy seeds, seasoning and sautéed onions everything together to a smooth paste.

6)Put the contents of the grinder into the pan and cook for 1.5 minutes.

7) Add 1/2 cup into the grinder to rinse off and use the precious paste left inside and add the water to the pan.

8) Let it come to boil then add the paneer cubes and cook for 2 minutes.

9) Add coriander leaves and kasturi methi and take off the gas. Our exotic, shahi paneer dish is ready.

Conclusion

Shahi paneer is a Mughlai dish prepared in a rich gravy which consists of curd, cream, cashew and onions. I have used poppy seeds in this recipe.

One can also prepare it in red gravy using tomatoes.

I have used homemade paneer. You may use any paneer available in the market.

Paneer is a rich source of protein for vegetarians and can also be had by diabetic people because it is low on carbs. 

You can substitute paneer with tofu also.