Shahi Paneer Becomes World's Third Most Loved Cheese Dish
Image Credit: Shahi paneer managed to beat many popular cheese dishes | Pexels

Paneer is the preferred cheese dish of every vegetarian in India. This cottage cheese can be made into several different dishes and all of them are as delicious as the next one. But if you think India is the only country where paneer is so popular, then the latest list that has ranked the most popular cheese dishes of the entire world will prove you wrong. TasteAtlas, Via their Instagram handle have published a list of juiced issues that are enjoyed all over the world and the creamy, rich Shahi paneer has claimed the third spot on this list.

Before we talk about the other dishes that are made with paneer and have managed to grab a spot on the list, let us know a little bit about TasteAtlas. According to their official website, it “is an encyclopedia of flavors, of world Atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients and authentic restaurants.” So, a prestigious list coming out that technology is the popularity of bonier and several dishes made from this ingredient is indeed something to be proud of. Considering the fact that cheese is eaten all over the world and many regions have their own variety of cheese that is enjoyed by people, the popularity of paneer just tells us how versatile the dish is.

And while you are here reading about the world famous paneer dishes that everyone enjoys, you might as well see a quick recipe for shahi paneer and try it in your own kitchen.

Recipe credits - Spice Swad

Ingredients

  • 200 grams paneer, cubed
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2-3 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi
  • 1 cup cream
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Method 

  • Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. 
  • Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies, and sauté for a minute. 
  • Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. 
  • Add all the powdered spices, kasuri methi, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. 
  • Add the paneer cubes and mix gently, ensuring that the paneer is coated well with the masala. 
  • Pour the cream and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. 
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or roti.

Paneer tikka came 4th on the list | Pexels

While our favorite Shahi paneer came third, many other paneer dishes like kadhai paneer, matar paneer, palak paneer, saag paneer and paneer makhani also managed to find themselves in the list. Right behind Shahi paneer, at 4th spot on the list was one of our favourite appetizer paneer tikka. With so many dishes from India, the list was dominated by our desi paneer varieties. However, the top 2 spots belonged to Raclette and saganaki. Some universally loved dishes such as mozzarella sticks, cheese fries and poutine also managed to find themselves on this list.