Shahi Paneer Recipe: The Surprising Health Benefits

Shahi Paneer recipe, a regal Indian delicacy, is not only a treat for your taste buds but also offers unexpected health benefits. This creamy, rich dish is made with succulent paneer (cottage cheese) simmered in a luscious tomato and cream-based gravy. In this blog post, we'll explore the nutritional advantages of Shahi Paneer recipe and guide you through preparing it in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Shahi Paneer Recipe: The Surprising Health Benefits

1. "Shahi": The term "Shahi" translates to "royal" in English. In Indian cuisine, the word "Shahi" is used to describe dishes that are rich, indulgent, and fit for royalty. It signifies the luxurious and regal nature of the dish.
2. "Paneer": Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese that is widely used in Indian cuisine. It is a key ingredient in this dish. Paneer is known for its mild, milky flavor and its ability to absorb the flavors of the spices and sauces it is cooked with. It's a popular choice for vegetarian dishes in Indian cooking.

When you combine these elements, "Shahi Paneer" refers to a dish where cubes of paneer are cooked in a royal, creamy sauce. The sauce is made using a variety of rich ingredients such as cream, cashews, almonds, and sometimes yogurt. It's flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron, creating a deliciously flavorful and aromatic gravy.

Time Frame

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes 
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes 
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Read More: Shahi Paneer Recipe

Ingredients

For the Paneer:

• 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato, pureed
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked
• 1/4 cup fresh cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves
• Saffron strands (optional)

Instructions

Here are the instruction for Shahi Paneer recipe Step by Step: 

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn golden brown.
2. Add Cashew Nuts: Add the soaked cashew nuts and ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until the cashews are lightly roasted.
   
3. Blend the Mixture: Let the mixture cool, then blend it into a smooth paste.
4. Prepare the Tomato Base: In the same pan, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
5. Add Spices: Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Sauté for a minute.
6. Combine Cashew Paste: Pour in the cashew paste and mix well. Cook for a few minutes.
7. Add Milk and Cream: Add milk and fresh cream to the pan. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens.
8. Paneer Cubes: Gently slide in the paneer cubes and let them simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and saffron strands (if using). Serve hot.

Nutrient Facts

Here's the nutritional breakdown for a serving of Shahi Paneer recipe:

1. Calories: 350 kcal
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbohydrates: 12g
4. Fat: 28g
5. Fiber: 2g
6. Calcium: 15% of Daily Value
7. Iron: 8% of Daily Value
8. Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Shahi Paneer a healthy dish?

A1: Yes, Shahi Paneer can be part of a balanced diet. It's a good source of protein and calcium.

Q2: Can I make Shahi Paneer without cream?

A2: Yes, you can substitute cream with yogurt for a lighter version.

Q3: Is Shahi Paneer suitable for vegetarians?

A3: Absolutely! Shahi Paneer is a vegetarian dish made with cottage cheese.

Q4. What are the ingredients of Shahi paneer?

A4:The ingredients for Shahi Paneer typically include paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cream, tomatoes, onions, cashew nuts, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, as well as various seasonings like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. It's often garnished with dry fruits like almonds and pistachios.

Q5. Why is it called Shahi Paneer?

A5:Shahi Paneer is called "shahi" because the term "shahi" means "royal" in Hindi. The dish is named this way due to its rich and luxurious ingredients, which were historically associated with royal Mughlai cuisine in India.

Q6. What powder is used in paneer?

A6: There isn't a specific powder used in making paneer. Paneer is traditionally made from milk by curdling it with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. However, in some recipes, you may find spices and seasoning powders like garam masala or turmeric used to flavor the paneer dishes.

Q7. What is the English name of Shahi Paneer?

A7:The English name for Shahi Paneer remains "Shahi Paneer." It is a popular Indian dish, and the name is retained in English as well.

Q8. Should I fry paneer first?

A8:Frying paneer before adding it to a dish is a common practice in many Indian recipes. Frying the paneer cubes in a little oil or ghee until they turn golden brown adds a delicious texture and flavor to the paneer. However, whether or not you should fry paneer depends on the specific recipe you are following.

Q9. How much paneer is made from 1 litre of milk?

A9:Generally, 1 litre of milk can yield approximately 200 to 250 grams of paneer. The yield may vary slightly based on factors like the milk's fat content and the method of preparation.

Q10. Why do people like Shahi Paneer? 

A10:People enjoy Shahi Paneer for several reasons. Firstly, it has a rich and creamy texture due to the use of cream, cashews, and other ingredients, making it a decadent dish. Secondly, the combination of aromatic spices and a mildly sweet flavor appeals to many palates. Additionally, the dish's association with Mughlai cuisine and its "royal" status add to its appeal, making it a popular choice in Indian cuisine.

Conclusion

Shahi Paneer Recipe is not just a culinary delight; it also packs a nutritional punch. With its high protein content and essential nutrients, it's a dish that can be enjoyed guilt-free. So, next time you crave a taste of royalty, whip up some Shahi Paneer and savor both its flavors and health benefits.