🍛 Shahi Paneer 🍛

🛒 Ingredients

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
• 250g paneer (cubed) 🧀
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil 🌰
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced 🧄
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed 🍅
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked and blended into a paste 🥜
• 1/2 cup yogurt 🥛
• 1/4 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, soaked and blended (optional) 🌰
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 🌟
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 🌶️
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 🌟
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste) 🍬
• Salt to taste 🧂

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Paneer

• Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Base

• In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
• Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic and minced ginger, and cook for another minute.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate.
• Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes.

4. Add Nuts and Cream

• Mix in the cashew nut paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
• Add the yogurt and cook for another 2 minutes on low heat.
• Stir in the heavy cream and poppy seed paste (if using). Mix well.

5. Season and Simmer

• Add the garam masala and cardamom powder. Adjust salt and sugar to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

6. Combine Paneer and Sauce

• Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak up the flavors.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Enjoy this Shahi Paneer 🍛 as a luxurious, flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a delicious meal. The creamy, nutty sauce complements the paneer beautifully.