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Shahi Paneer is a royal dish from Indian cuisine, known for its rich and creamy texture, often prepared with a delicious onion-based gravy. However, for those who prefer to avoid onions and garlic for dietary or personal reasons, we present a delectable recipe for Shahi Paneer without these ingredients. This recipe retains all the essence of traditional Shahi Paneer while being suitable for a wider audience.
Ingredients for Shahi Paneer without Onion and Garlic
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 2 large |
| Cashew nuts | ¼ cup |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chili (finely chopped) | 1 (adjust to taste) |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh cream | ¼ cup |
| Cumin seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Oil or ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish) | as needed |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparation of the Base
Begin by soaking the cashew nuts in warm water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help in blending them into a smooth paste later. After soaking, blend the cashews into a fine paste and set them aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Gravy
In a pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Then, add the grated ginger and chopped green chili, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. Next, incorporate the pureed tomatoes and cook this mixture until the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes.
Step 3: Adding Spices
Now it’s time to add the turmeric, coriander, and Kashmiri red chili powders. Stir well and cook for an additional couple of minutes to let the spices blend nicely with the tomato base.
Step 4: Incorporating Cashew Paste
Add the prepared cashew paste to the tomato mixture, followed by salt and a little water if the gravy is too thick. Mix thoroughly and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes on low heat.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, gently add the paneer cubes and garam masala powder. Stir to coat the paneer in the gravy. Finally, stir in the fresh cream for richness and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnishing
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Your delicious Shahi Paneer without onion and garlic is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
Shahi Paneer pairs wonderfully with various Indian bread such as naan, roti, or paratha, and can also be enjoyed with fragrant basmati rice. A side of salad or raita will enhance the dining experience.
Conclusion
This Onion and Garlic-Free Shahi Paneer recipe offers a perfect
