Shahi Paneer - Cottage Cheese in Creamy Tomato Gravy

Shahi Paneer is one of the very first recipes I learnt from my MIL thus making this recipe very close to my heart & truly special. She is an awesome cook. Even today when I make this dish, I recollect her words & her explanation. Anyone & everyone who has had this dish, keeps asking for more. 

Shahi Paneer is a Royal North Indian dish where you cook paneer (cottage cheese) in thick creamy tomato gravy enriched with spices. Its the perfect main course dish to be served with Roti/Chapati/Naan or any Indian bread of your choice. 

Ingredients: 

250 gms of paneer, thawed & cut into cubes or triangles
2 bay leaves (Tej patta)
1 tsp cumin seeds (zeera)
1 medium sized onion finely chopped
3 green chilies finely chopped (or to taste)
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
pinch of asafoetida (hing)
1 cup of thick tomato paste
1 tbsp of tomato ketchup
5 tbsp of cream 
some finely chopped coriander
pinch of sugar
1tbsp of oil for cooking
salt to taste

Masala: (these ingredients are easily available at Indian/Asian Grocery stores) 
1 tsp of red chili powder  (or to taste)
1 tbsp of coriander powder
½ tsp of cumin seeds powder
½ tsp of garam masala  (or to taste)
1 tbsp of Shahi Paneer Masala (optional)(using MDH brand for this recipe)

Method: 

• In a vessel, heat the oil on medium flame & once hot add the cumin seeds & bay leaves. Once cumin seeds start spluttering add the onions & saute. 
• When the onions turn translucent, add the asafoetida, green chilies, ginger & garlic paste. Saute till raw garlic smell disappears. 
• Now add the tomato paste & mix. Cook for 2 mins stirring intermittently. 
• Then add all the ingredients listed under "Masala" along with salt & cook till this mixture thickens & starts oozing oil from the side (approximately 2 mins)
• Adjust the consistency by adding a cup of water. Mix & simmer till it comes to a boil. 
• Now add the tomato ketchup & cream & mix well. If your tomato gravy tastes sour add a pinch of sugar to cut the sourness down. 
• Final step is to add the paneer & mix with light hands to prevent the paneer from crumbling. Top it with some coriander for garnishing. 

That's it our Shahi Paneer is ready, serve it hot with Roti/Chapati/Naan or any Indian bread of your choice. 

Happy Cooking!!
Shweta

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