|September 26, 2022

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHAHI PANNER AND PANEER BUTTER MASALA?

Introduction to Paneer and its Various Recipes

  • “Paneer Butter Masala” or “Shahi Paneer“?
  • “Paneer Lababdaar” or “Paneer Do Pyaaza“?
  • “Kadhai Paneeri” or “Paneer Tikka Masala“?

All the paneer lovers, often do walk into a restaurant and get confused between the long list of paneer options while also trying to find the difference between them? The paneer is a versatile superfood that you can turn into endless dishes with endless recipes. We will tell you about the two most commonly served Paneer recipes in restaurants and how they differ. Easy to make at home, these recipes are your all-time favorite and create stand-out dinner menus. Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala, both curries are mildly spicy, and both are cream based. So what's the difference? Let's dwell on that before you visit their taste. 

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Paneer Butter Masala is a famous, rich, and flavorful paneer curry served in North Indian restaurants. This dish's authenticity comes from the sauce's delicate combination of spice and creaminess. You can use tomato puree, onion paste, cashew paste, and other Indian spices. In several places, Paneer Butter Masala has names like Paneer Makhni or Butter Paneer.

As the name says, Shahi means "royal," therefore, Shahi Paneer is a regal dish made with dry fruits, yogurt, spices, saffron, and cream in the correct proportion to make this delicacy "shahi." The gravy contains melon seeds, onions, almonds, and cashews.

What is the difference between Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala? 

Although they are both most loved paneer curry recipes, paneer butter masala is a bit spicier than shahi paneer. It is due to adding masalas in paneer butter masala with chillies. In contrast, shahi paneer is cashew and yogurt-based curry, which is why Shahi paneer has a sweeter, creamier taste. 

The ingredients also differ, as shahi paneer has no tomatoes. It also leads to a difference in color, as the tomatoes and masala turn the cottage cheese butter masala a reddish-orange, whereas the shahi paneer is a creamy white or pale yellow hue. 

Shahi paneer originated in Mughlai cuisine. It is a popular dish in northern India. In contrast, Paneer Butter Masala originated in the Indian subcontinent. 

Instant Recipes of Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala

What if you can make these recipes in mere 15 minutes? No long preparations, no grinding, and no hard work.

Alcoeats has brought you a new kitchen friend. Easy Indie Bowl Indian gravies to make you fall in love with your cooking. Delicious flavor blended and packed in a jar to open up as a tasty dish in your kitchen Paneer Butter Masala and Royal Paneer Gravy mix make making these recipes a mere 15 minutes walk in a park. Let's see how!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHAHI PANNER AND PANEER BUTTER MASALA?

Print Recipe
  • Course - Main dish
  • Cuisine - Indian
  • Prep Time - 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time - 10 minutes
  • Serves - 4-5 people

Shahi Paneer Recipe with Alcoeats

Ingredients

  • 3 cups - Water
  • 2 cups - Cubed Paneer
  • 1/2 tsp - Salt
  • 1/2 tsp - Pepper
  • 1/3 tbsp - Butter
  • 2 tbsp - Heavy Whipping Cream

Instructions-

Preparation

  • Season paneer with salt & pepper. *For a healthier recipe, we recommend seasoned paneer, but if you enjoy pan-fried paneer, you can fry the paneer cubes in a pan and then add them to a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes and season it after.* – You fry it first so paneer cubes don’t break.
  • Add the Easy Indie Bowl Royal Paneer Gravy Mix to a bowl & mix thoroughly with water to create the gravy. Keep it aside until needed. 

Cooking

  • Melt butter in a pan.
  • Add gravy & bring to a rapid simmer on med/high heat. Stir regularly: 2-3 min.
  • Add seasoned paneer to the pan. Continue simmering until gravy thickens to desired consistency: 8-10 min. Stir to avoid burning your shahi sauce.
  • Remove from heat & drizzle in the cream. Let sit: 3 min.
  • Enjoy!

Paneer Butter Masala with Alcoeats

Ingredients

  • 3 cups - Water
  • 2 cups - Cubed Paneer
  • 1/2 tsp - Salt
  • 1/2 tsp - Pepper
  • 1/3 tbsp - Butter
  • 2 tbsp - Heavy Whipping Cream

Instructions

Preparations

  • Season paneer with salt & pepper.
  • Add the Easy Indie Bowl Butter Paneer Mix to a bowl & mix thoroughly with water to create the gravy. Keep it aside until needed. 
  • For a healthier recipe, we recommend seasoned paneer, but if you enjoy pan-fried paneer, you can fry the paneer cubes in a pan and then add them to a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes and season it after.

Cooking

  • Melt butter in a pan for paneer makkhanwala taste.
  • Add gravy & bring to a rapid simmer on med/high heat. Stir regularly: 2-3 min.
  • Add seasoned paneer to the pan. Continue simmering until gravy thickens to desired consistency: 8-10 min. Stir to avoid burning.
  • Remove from heat & drizzle in the cream. Let sit: 3 min.
  • Enjoy!

Why should we eat Paneer?

DISCLAIMER- This blog does not provide you with any medical advice. It is strictly meant to be an informational and recipe blog only. Please consult your physician or medical expert for what works best for you.

  • Paneer May Help You Lose Weight - Since paneer contains fatty acids in short chains, it helps our bodies store less fat and has good fats itself, low carbohydrates, and high protein content. Because these chains are easily digested, paneer may be beneficial for weight loss.
  • Paneer May Benefit Your Skin - Paneer contains vitamin E, selenium, and antioxidants. They may battle against the body's free radicals to give the skin a healthy look. Paneer may also makes hair more substantial and more lustrous.
  • Paneer benefits for diabetes - Paneer contains magnesium, which may help to control blood sugar levels. It also may prevent sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels by reducing the release of sugar into circulation. It is also low in carbohydrates, making it the ideal meal for people with diabetes.
  • Paneer is good for bones - The calcium and vitamin D in paneer may make the bones and teeth stronger and healthier. Calcium may also help proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. It may also aid in bone mass development.
  • Paneer helps the digestive system - Our digestive system breaks down the food we eat to give us energy. Paneer is high in magnesium and phosphorus. They may be crucial for the digestive system to work correctly.

Alcoeats works to help you cook something healthy and yummy food for you and your loved ones. It has numerous gravies from Paneer butter masala restaurant style to Royal Paneer; shahi sauce from Paneer chili to Kadai paneer. Alcoeats has brought Easy Indie Bowl for newbies to the culinary world. Wherever you are, the taste of India can reach your kitchen with Alcoeats.  

Faqs on Shahi Paneer & Paneer Butter Masala

What is the best way to thicken Shahi paneer or Paneer butter masala?
What is the English name for paneer?
Is there a difference between paneer and tofu?
What can be used instead of cream in paneer butter masala and shahi paneer?
Is Alco Indian Gravies Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Paleo-Friendly, Vegetarian, and Soy-Free?

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