11 - Shahi Paneer - Cottage Cheese in Cashewnut and Tomato Gravy

Shahi Paneer means "Royal Paneer" or Paneer fit for a king!

This thick, creamy curry is a preparation of paneer, cashews and tomatoes, typically eaten along with rice, rotis or paranthas.

Ingredients

Paneer ( Cottage Cheese) - 1/2 kg
Oil - 3 tbsp
Onions - 2 , chopped
Tomato Paste - 1, 8oz can
Garlic - 3 cloves, chopped
Ginger - 1" piece, grated
Green Chillies - 2 , finely chopped
Cumin powder - 2 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 tsp
Garam Masala - 2tsp
Kasoori Methi - 1 tbsp
Cashewnuts - 3/4 cup
Milk - 1 cup
Water - 1 1/2 cup
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Salt - to taste
Coriander leaves - for garnishing

Preparation

Soak cashews in milk for 15 minutes. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok, add onions, and cook till they start to dry out. Add ginger, garlic and green chillies and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add the tomato paste to this, and cook until the oil seperates.

While the onions and tomatoes are cooking, grind the cashews with milk to a fine paste.

Once the tomato-onion mixuture is done, add the cumin powder, coriander powder and garam masala and mix well.
Add the cashew paste and mix well. Make sure there are no lumps in the gravy.
Add water, salt and sugar and bring to a boil.
Saute the cubed paneer in 1 tbsp oil on medium - high heat. Once the paneer is light brown, drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
Once the gravy begins to boil, add in the kasoori methi and mix well. Then add in the paneer and mix slowly.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

Enjoy!!