Shahi Paneer History 

Ancient History of Shahi Paneer

The origin of the famous Indian dish Shahi Paneer can be traced back to the ancient food eating and cooking habits of North India, where the word “Shahi” means royal, indicating its connection with the royal kitchens of the Mughal period.

Historical context

Indian cuisine was heavily inspired by the Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century. The Mughals were famous for their delicious food, which often used rich ingredients and a mixture of aromatic spices.

Original

The origin of Shahi Paneer can probably be traced back to a part of this Mughlai culinary tradition. This cuisine reflects the opulence of the Mughal courts, where food was not only a necessity but also a form of art. The use of paneer (paneer) in Shahi Paneer is a specialty of Indian cuisine, where cheese has been a staple food for centuries.

Features

What makes Shahi Paneer stand out is its rich and creamy gravy made with ingredients like cashew nuts, melon seeds, and cream. These ingredients contribute greatly to its rich and regal taste, befitting a dish associated with Mughal royalty.

Development

Over the years, Shahi Paneer has further evolved and adapted to different regional tastes and preferences. Although it retains its royal flavor, variations may exist in different households and regions in terms of spices used, additional ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Popularity

The popularity of Shahi paneer has transcended the royal courts; today, it has become a beloved vegetarian dish enjoyed by people across India and beyond. It has made its way into restaurant menus and home kitchens, much loved by those who love the delicious flavor and creamy texture of this classic dish.

In short, Shahi Paneer is a culinary gem with a history that connects it to the grandeur of Mughal cuisine, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian culinary heritage.

Below is a simple Shahi Paneer recipe with an ingredient list

Ingredients	Quantity
Paneer (cottage cheese)	250g
Onion	1 large
Tomatoes	2 medium
Cashews	12
Melon seeds	1 tablespoon
Oil	2 tablespoons
Butter	1 tablespoon
Ginger-garlic paste	1 tablespoon
Green chili	1
Garam masala	1 teaspoon
Red chili powder	1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric powder	1/4 teaspoon
Coriander powder	1 teaspoon
Cumin powder	1/2 teaspoon
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)	1 teaspoon
Cream	2 tablespoons
Milk	1/4 cup
Salt	To taste
Fresh coriander leaves	For garnish

 

Here’s a step-by-step Shahi Paneer recipe explained

Instruction

1.Preparation
To cook Shahi paneer, cut the paneer into cubes.
Finely chop the onion and tomato.
Soak cashew nuts and melon seeds in hot water for 15 minutes.

2. grind
Mix soaked cashew nuts and melon seeds and grind them in a mixer to make a smooth paste.

3.Cooking
Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add chopped onion to it and fry until it turns golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilli and fry for 2 minutes.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

4.Spices
Add garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and cumin powder and mix well.

5.Gravy
Add cashew and watermelon seed paste and fry for a few minutes until the oil separates.
Add cream and Kasoori Methi and mix well.

6. Cheese and Milk
Add the paneer pieces in the gravy and mix slowly.
Add the milk and stir. Cook on a low flame for 5-7 minutes.

7.Seasoning
Adjust salt as per taste.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

8. Serve
Shahi Paneer is ready to serve. Enjoy it with naan or rice!

Remember, feel free to adjust the spice level and consistency as per your preference. Enjoy your delicious Shahi Paneer!

Nutrition Value (approximate):

Nutrient	Quantity per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	28g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use. Always check the nutrition information on the packaging for accuracy. Enjoy your Shahi Paneer!