Alok’s Shahi Paneer

May 24, 2023May 24, 20230 16
Alok's Shahi Paneer: An Authentic Indian Dish
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

7 onions , sliced
4 tomatoes , sliced
5 tablespoons watermelon , seeds of
5 tablespoons white sesame seeds
5 tablespoons cashews
2 red chilies
1 green bell pepper
5 garlic cloves , pounded
2 inches piece ginger , pounded
4 -5 black peppercorns
5 cloves
4 bay leaves
3 big black cardamom pods
2 inches cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon coriander powder ( heaped )
1/2 tablespoon red chili powder
1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder ( heaped )
1 tablespoon cumin powder ( heaped )
4 tablespoons yoghurt , beaten ( heaped )
salt
1 pinch red food coloring
1 kg cottage cheese , cubed ( paneer )
2 tbsps.gemini sunflower oil
5 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves , to garnish

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
386
Sugar
3g
Fat
32g
Alok's Shahi Paneer is a delicious and popular Indian dish that originated from the Mughal dynasty. This dish is typically served during special occasions and celebrations. The creamy texture of paneer, combined with the rich and fragrant tomato-based gravy infused with a balance of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and garam masala, creates an unforgettable taste that is both warm and comforting. The term Shahi means royal, indicating its regal and special significance within the cuisine. The dish is often accompanied by rice, naan, or roti. The origin of this dish is believed to come from the era of Mughal kings when chefs trained by the royal kitchen introduced this dish.

Instructions

1.First, in a large pan, heat the Gemini sunflower oil at medium heat, add 2 inches cinnamon sticks, 3 big black cardamom pods, 4 bay leaves, 4-5 black peppercorns, and 5 cloves, stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.
2.Next, add 5 garlic cloves and 2 inches piece ginger, pounded. Saute for a minute.
3.Then, add the sliced onions and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown.
4.Add 2 sliced red chilies, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
5.In a different pan, roast 5 tablespoons of watermelon seeds, 5 tablespoons of white sesame seeds, 5 tablespoons of cashews until they turn golden brown, then blend it into a paste.
6.Add the blended paste of seeds to the onions and cook for 5 minutes.
7.Add 4 sliced tomatoes, and then add 1 tablespoon coriander powder (heaped), 1/2 tablespoon red chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder (heaped), and 1 tablespoon cumin powder (heaped) and stir together for about 10 minutes.
8.Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of beaten yoghurt, a pinch of red food coloring, and salt, then add it to the pan and stir together.
9.Finally, add 1 kg cubed cottage cheese (paneer) and cook for 10 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
10.Serve hot topped with fresh coriander leaves.
11.

PROS

Alok’s Shahi Paneer is a satisfying vegetarian dish that is packed with proteins and nutrients from paneer (cottage cheese) and various spices.
The slightly sweet taste of paneer, together with the spicy and nutty gravy, will awaken your tastebuds and leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Also, this dish is perfect for lacto-vegetarian people who do not consume meat but include dairy products in their diet.

CONS

If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, this dish is not suitable for you.
Also, with the high amounts of watermelon seeds, cashews, and sesame seeds used in the recipe, this dish can be high in calories and fat, so portion control is recommended.
The use of red food coloring might not be a pro for everyone.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish has several health benefits. Paneer is a high protein and calcium-rich food that promotes muscle growth, supports bone health, and boosts your metabolism. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, ginger, and garlic can help reduce inflammation and fight infections. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin B and minerals like copper, iron, and zinc; they promote heart health, brain function, and lower cholesterol levels. Cashews are also rich in minerals and healthy fats that benefit your immune system and gut health.

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