Step 1: Prepare the Base Ingredients

Add 3 medium chopped onions to a pan.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes to the pan.

Step 3: Add Chillies

Add 5-6 whole Gandhari chillies.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Add 8-10 garlic cloves.

Step 5: Add Ginger

Add 1 inch of chopped ginger.

Step 6: Add Cashewnuts

Add 1/4 cup of cashewnuts.

Step 7: Season with Salt

Add salt to taste.

Step 8: Boil Ingredients

Boil all ingredients in the pan without adding water for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 9: Grind the Paste

Let the mixture cool, then grind it into a smooth paste.

Step 10: Prepare Tempering Base

In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp butter/ghee and add 2-3 cardamom pods.

Step 11: Add Cloves

Add 2-3 cloves.

Step 12: Add Cinnamon

Add 1 small piece of cinnamon stick.

Step 13: Add Shahi Jeera

Add 1/2 tsp shahi jeera (caraway seeds).

Step 14: Add Turmeric Powder

Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder.

Step 15: Add Coriander Powder

Add 1 tsp coriander powder.

Step 16: Add Cumin Powder

Add 1/2 tsp cumin powder.

Step 17: Add Red Chilli Powder

Add 1 tsp red chilli powder.

Step 18: Sauté Spices

Sauté the spices for a few seconds until fragrant.

Step 19: Combine with Paste

Add the ground onion-tomato paste to the pan and mix well.

Step 20: Add Garam Masala

Add 1/2 tsp garam masala.

Step 21: Add Kasuri Methi

Add 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).

Step 22: Cook Gravy

Mix all the spices and paste thoroughly and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates.

Step 23: Prepare Paneer

Cut 200g paneer into cubes.

Step 24: Add Fresh Cream

Stir in 1/4 cup fresh cream.

Step 25: Garnish with Coriander

Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.

Step 26: Add Paneer Cubes

Add paneer cubes to the gravy.

Step 27: Add Lime Juice

Squeeze juice from 1/2 lime into the dish.

Step 28: Serve

Serve the Shahi Paneer hot.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

• For a richer flavor, use homemade paneer and fresh cream.

• Ensure the onion-tomato mixture is cooled completely before grinding to achieve a smooth paste.

• Add a pinch of sugar for a slightly sweet taste, typical in some Shahi Paneer recipes.

• For a smoky flavor, you can lightly grill or pan-fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the gravy.

• Substitute cashewnuts with blanched almonds for a different nutty flavor.