Shahi Paneer Recipe – Creamy Royal Indian Curry
Make restaurant-style Shahi Paneer at home with this rich and creamy Indian curry made with paneer, cashews, cream, and aromatic spices. A perfect dish for lunch or dinner with naan or rice!
🧾 Introduction
Shahi Paneer, meaning “Royal Cottage Cheese”, is a classic North Indian curry that is creamy, mildly spiced, and full of flavor. Traditionally prepared with cashews, cream, butter, and aromatic spices, this dish was served in royal Mughal kitchens. Today, it is a popular recipe enjoyed in Indian homes and restaurants worldwide.
Whether you serve it with naan, paratha, or basmati rice, this Shahi Paneer recipe will bring rich flavors to your table.
🥘 Ingredients for Shahi Paneer
- 250g paneer (cubed)
- 2 medium onions (chopped)
- 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tbsp cashews (soaked)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp fresh cream
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 bay leaf
- 2–3 cloves
- 2–3 green cardamoms
- 1 cinnamon stick (small)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
🍳 How to Make Shahi Paneer (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the Base
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.
- Add chopped onions, tomatoes, and soaked cashews.
- Cook until soft, then cool slightly and blend into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Prepare the Curry
- In the same pan, heat ghee and remaining oil.
- Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon. Sauté for a minute.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry until aromatic.
- Add the onion-tomato-cashew paste. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Spices & Paneer
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add ½ cup water and bring the curry to a simmer.
- Add paneer cubes and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Cream
- Stir in fresh cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander leaves.
Your royal Shahi Paneer curry is ready to serve!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with butter naan, tandoori roti, or lachha paratha.
- Pairs wonderfully with jeera rice or basmati rice.
- Can be enjoyed with a side of green salad or raita for balance.
❓ FAQs About Shahi Paneer
Q1. Is Shahi Paneer sweet or spicy?
Shahi Paneer is mildly spiced with a hint of sweetness from cashews and cream.
Q2. Can I make Shahi Paneer without cream?
Yes, substitute cream with milk or yogurt for a lighter version.
Q3. Can I freeze Shahi Paneer curry?
Yes, you can freeze the curry (without cream) for up to 1 month. Add cream only after reheating.
Q4. What’s the difference between Paneer Butter Masala and Shahi Paneer?
Paneer Butter Masala is slightly tangy and buttery, while Shahi Paneer is creamier, nutty, and mildly sweet.
Q5. Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, tofu works well as a vegan substitute for paneer.
🍴 Similar Recipes You May Like :
- Paneer Butter Masala – Rich, buttery curry with paneer cubes.
- Kadai Paneer – Spicy North Indian curry with capsicum and paneer.
- Palak Paneer – Paneer cooked in a creamy spinach sauce.
- Matar Paneer – Paneer with green peas in a tomato-based curry.
- Paneer Tikka Masala – Grilled paneer cubes simmered in masala curry.

Comments
Post a Comment