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🧀 Shahi Paneer in Under 25 Minutes: A Royal Treat Made Easy

Craving a luxurious Indian curry without spending hours in the kitchen? This Shahi Paneer recipe from Carve Your Craving brings the rich, creamy flavors of North India to your table in just 25 minutes! Perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something truly delightful.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 🧀 Main Components:
  • 200 g Paneer cubed
  • 4 tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 1 cup Onion Puree
  • 1 cup Tomato Puree from 3 Roma tomatoes
  • ½ tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 2 tsp Minced Ginger
  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp Almond Flour or paste of 12 raw cashews
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ½ cup Cream
  • 2 tbsp Yogurt
  • ¼ cup Water adjust as needed
  • Handful of Chopped Fresh Coriander
  • 🌶️ Spices & Aromatics:
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 3 Cloves
  • 3 Peppercorns
  • Pinch of Saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
  • ½ tsp Cardamom Powder or 3 ground green cardamoms
  • 1½ tsp Indian Chili Powder or cayenne
  • ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 2 tsp Sugar or Honey
  • 2 tsp Kasoori Methi crushed
  • 2 tsp Rose Water or Kewra Water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Saffron
  • Soak saffron in warm water and set aside.
  • Cook the Onion Base
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion puree and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add Aromatics & Spices
  • Add garlic, ginger, bay leaf, cloves, peppercorns, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and a splash of water. Cook briefly.
  • Add Tomato Puree
  • Stir in tomato puree and salt. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
  • Enrich the Gravy
  • Add almond flour/cashew paste and water. Stir, then pour in cream and milk slowly, stirring constantly. Cook covered for 1 minute.
  • Finalize the Gravy
  • Uncover and whisk in yogurt. Add saffron water, cardamom, nutmeg, sugar, and kasoori methi. Mix well.
  • Add Paneer
  • Gently fold in paneer. Simmer covered for 2 minutes. Uncover and stir in rose water. Cook 1 more minute.
  • Garnish & Serve
  • Top with fresh coriander. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes

💡 Tips & Tricks Softening Paneer: Soak store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes before using—it becomes softer and absorbs flavor better. No Almond Flour?: Use 12 raw cashews soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then blended into a smooth paste. Flavor Balance: Adjust sugar and chili to your liking. Shahi Paneer is mildly spiced with a hint of sweetness. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the gravy in advance and refrigerate. Add paneer fresh when reheating for best texture.
 
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate, serves 4)
Calories: ~360
Carbs: ~10g
Fat: ~30g
Protein: ~10g
Sodium: ~280mg
Keyword Shahi Paneer, Indian paneer curry, royal curry, vegetarian Indian dish, creamy paneer recipe