I know sharing a quick version of a paneer gravy comes as no surprise to many of you. I still will go ahead as I know this is one sinful and delicious gravy not to be missed out. I have a load of rich shahi paneer gravies already on the blogs and one more seems just right, don't you agree?

The origin of this gravy came about in the most interesting way, the period was not though. Yes, it was during the floods in Madras during Dec 2015, that I ended up creating this recipe, based on my journey through making Paneer gravies for my kids. As I said in my previous post, during that long enforced vacation, we were out of ideas on what to make for the kids.

It was a vicious cycle of dosa getting repeated itself, with some handful of dishes. One evening, while it was a regular subji roti, boys refused to eat, saying they wanted something different. Their different sabzi was naturally Paneer. While the elders at home went about eating their meal, I said I would go about making something for them, with the warning that it is going to be a quick one and not exactly what they are used to eating. They were okay as long as it was paneer gravy.

Since I was focusing on making the gravy and nothing else on hand, I made everything on high flame, just under 20 mins. The gravy was an instant hit and has been repeated over many weeks. Each time I timed it and saw that it varies from 20 to 30 mins depending on how focused you are on making this gravy. For all the instant type this is, you surely need to be stocked with few things. Else it might take a little longer.

However, it is still such a sinful gravy. I finally clicked the step by step pictures when I realized that this is something I should share with you all.

Some of the useful links that can aid in making this gravy so quick
Frozen Ginger Garlic paste -
I always stock this and use it for all my gravies. Two trays of these frozen cubes last me a month or so and are as fresh as it was when ground.
Homemade Paneer / Instant Homemade Paneer

Paneer is always stocked at home, it stays fresh for nearly 4 to 5 days. I mostly use it within two days of making.

Quick Shahi Paneer

Ingredients Needed:

Homemade Paneer - 2 cups
Butter - 1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Onion puree - 1 cup
Ginger Garlic cubes - 2 nos
Cashews - 10 no
Tomato puree - 1 cup
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Red Chili powder - 1 tsp
coriander powder -1 tsp
Roasted Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/4 tsp
Milk - 1/4 litre or 3 cups
Fresh Cream - 2 tbsp
Kasuri Methi crushed 1 tbsp

How to make the quick shahi paneer

Microwave a cup of water for soaking the cashews.

Heat a nonstick pan with butter, saute cubed paneer pieces till golden, remove.

In the same pan, add the oil, add onion puree, high keep stirring. When it turns brownish, add the ginger garlic cubes. Saute well.
Drain the cashews, chop fine, and grind to a smooth paste along with tomatoes. Add this to the pan and keep stirring on high. Make sure it doesn't get burnt at the bottom.

Now add salt and turmeric powder. Normally when adding milk, it's best to add salt in the end. However in this case I went ahead and added.

Simmer for 2 mins, add the spice powders and combine everything. Now add the milk and gently mix in.

Have the lid handy, if required cover for 2 mins. When it starts boiling add the cream and mix everything.

Finally, add the crushed Kasuri methi and 1/2 tsp butter.

Notes:

No water is added to the gravy, so it's very thick and creamy. If required you can add.

Take care of adding salt before milk as it might curdle the milk.

Adding cream or butter is your choice, however, this is a very rich gravy. So it is needed.

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