How to make shahi paneer

To make Shahi Paneer, a rich and creamy Indian cottage cheese curry, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• 250 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
• 1/4 cup fresh cream (heavy cream)
• 1/4 cup yogurt (curd)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil
• 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, grind the soaked cashew nuts into a smooth paste by adding a little water if needed. Keep the cashew paste aside.
2. In a large pan or kadai, heat ghee or cooking oil over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
6. Add the tomato puree or finely chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate.
7. Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well with the onion-tomato mixture and cook for a couple of minutes.
8. Add the cashew paste to the pan and mix it well with the masala. Cook for another minute.
9. Stir in the fresh cream and yogurt (curd). Mix until everything is well combined.
10. Add water to adjust the consistency of the curry. You can add more or less water depending on your preference.
11. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
12. Add the paneer cubes to the curry and gently mix them in. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
13. Finally, sprinkle cardamom powder over the curry and mix it in.
14. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your delicious and creamy Shahi Paneer is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with naan, roti, or jeera rice for a delightful meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions and will surely be loved by everyone.