Shahi Paneer

Step 1

Take the nuts and seeds in a bowl and rinse them a couple of times with water. Drain all the water and set aside.

Step 2

Cook onions, cashews, almonds, magaz or melon seeds, ginger and garlic in 1.5 cups water for 8 to 10 minutes until the onions soften.

Step 3

Strain the stock and set aside. Let the onions cool at room temperature.

Step 4

Make a fine paste of the cooked onions, ginger, garlic along with the dry fruits adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of the strained water.

Step 5

Whisk fresh curd (yogurt) till smooth and set aside.

Step 6

Heat ghee in a frying pan on medium-low to medium heat.

Step 7

Fry all the whole spices (listed in the above ingredients) until they release their aroma in the ghee. Be very attentive here, as spices are delicate and can burn quickly if you aren’t paying attention.

Step 8

Add the ground onion paste and mix very well. On a low heat sauté stirring non-stop for 7 to 8 minutes or until the fat starts to leave the sides of the paste.

Step 9

Add red chilli powder or cayenne pepper, garam masala powder and coriander powder. Mix well.

Step 10

Reduce heat to a low or switch off the heat. Add the whisked yogurt, 1 to 1.5 cups of the strained stock and additional water, sugar and salt as required.

Step 11

Mix very well and simmer gravy for 10 to 12 minutes until it thickens.

Step 12

Add the cardamom powder and crushed saffron.

Step 13

Stir and add the cubed paneer and cream.

Step 14

Mix gently and switch off heat.

Step 15

Add the kewra water and stir. You can even add rose water.

Step 16

Garnish Shahi Paneer with some coriander leaves or mint leaves or a few saffron strands. Serve the Mughlai Shahi Paneer with cumin rice or roti, naan or paratha.