A Taste of Royalty: The Story Behind Shahi Paneer
If comfort had a royal crown, it would definitely be Shahi Paneer. Originating from Mughal kitchens, this creamy, nut-based curry is the epitome of luxury in Indian cuisine. The word “Shahi” means royal, and with every spoonful of this velvety gravy, you’ll taste exactly why it got that name.
Living in Germany and craving that restaurant-style Shahi Paneer you used to enjoy back home? Don’t worry, with the right ingredients (easily available on Dookan Germany), you can bring that authentic North Indian flavor right to your European kitchen.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Shahi Paneer
Ingredients
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250g Paneer (cut into cubes)
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2 medium Onions (roughly chopped)
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2 Tomatoes (pureed)
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10 Cashew nuts
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1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
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2 tbsp Fresh Cream
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2 tbsp Ghee or Butter
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1 tsp Cumin Seeds
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1 Bay Leaf
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1 tsp Coriander Powder
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½ tsp Garam Masala
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½ tsp Turmeric Powder
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1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
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Salt to taste
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Fresh Coriander for garnish
Pro tip: For best results, use fresh Paneer, Kashmiri red chili powder, and pure ghee available on Dookan – your trusted Indian store in Germany.
Serving Size
Serves 3–4 people
Duration
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
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Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan.
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Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
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Add cashews, ginger-garlic paste, and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Allow it to cool, then blend it into a smooth paste with a splash of water.
Step 2: Cook the Tomato Gravy
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In the same pan, heat another spoon of ghee.
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Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Once they splutter, pour in the tomato puree.
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Add turmeric, chili, and coriander powder. Cook until the ghee separates from the masala.
Step 3: Combine Everything
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Add the onion-cashew paste to the tomato mixture and cook for 4–5 minutes.
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Stir in salt, garam masala, and cream.
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Gently add the paneer cubes and simmer on low for 5–7 minutes so they soak in the rich flavors.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and drizzle a little more cream on top for that royal finish.
Serve hot with Basmati Rice or soft Naan, both available on Dookan Germany.
Chef’s Corner: Tips for That Perfect Shahi Taste
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Soak cashews for 15 minutes before blending — this makes the gravy ultra-smooth.
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Use ghee instead of oil for richer flavor and aroma.
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If you prefer a milder curry, add milk instead of water while simmering.
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For vegan options, replace paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 2g
This dish is indulgent — but hey, some meals are worth celebrating!
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought paneer for Shahi Paneer?
Yes! But make sure it’s soft and fresh. You can find premium-quality paneer at Dookan Germany.
Q: What’s the best accompaniment for Shahi Paneer?
It pairs beautifully with Jeera Rice, Butter Naan, or Tandoori Roti.
Q: Can I prepare this curry in advance?
Absolutely. Just make the gravy and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Add paneer before serving.
Final Thought
There’s something deeply comforting about cooking Shahi Paneer far from home. The smell of ghee, the creaminess of the sauce, the first bite with soft naan — it brings back the warmth of Indian kitchens and family dinners.
With Dookan Germany, you don’t have to search endlessly for authentic ingredients. From paneer and spices to ghee and rice, everything you need for this royal dish is just a click away — making every meal feel a little more like home.