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India has always been the land of rich cultural heritage, bountiful traditions, a rich geographical history, and, of course, a treasure trove of magical flavors. Indian food has always held a special place in the hearts of people worldwide due to its versatility, which stems from different regions offering their unique creations. As you might know, India’s strong connection to vegetarianism is deeply rooted in its cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs, as well as its agricultural practices. If there’s a nation that has redefined taste and flavor without relying on meat, it’s definitely this one!
Today, we are going to talk about paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, which is a major ingredient in Indian cooking. It is not just an ingredient for vegetarians but also a great source of protein, taking the place of meat-based options. And when we talk about paneer, we can definitely not skip the two most popular dishes, Paneer Butter Masala and Shahi Paneer! Let’s talk more about these two beloved dishes that form the basis of vegetarian Indian cuisine in Calgary.
Paneer Butter Masala
- How did the dish originate?
The birth of Paneer Butter Masala can be traced back to the mid-20th century in the bustling kitchens of several regions of Punjab (North India). The story goes back to the extraordinary creations of the popular Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, which is also said to have given birth to the world-famous dish butter chicken!
The chef, inspired by the popularity of the Butter Chicken, thought about creating an alternative that would appeal to the majority of vegetarians living in North India. They used cottage cheese or Paneer and cooked it using the same spices and techniques to replicate the flavors of Butter Chicken but with milder heat levels. The dish gained major popularity due to its rich, melt-in-mouth feel and creamy taste. The dish could be easily enjoyed with rice, roti, naan, and other types of bread, making it a versatile dish for the masses.
At Gate of India, we aim to craft authentic Indian food in Calgary that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India! Try our popular Paneer Butter Masala with a bed of fluffy rice or comforting garlic naan for a true experience.
Shahi Paneer
- How did the dish originate?
The term “Shahi” means “royal,” and Shahi Paneer reflects its royal Mughal origins. During their rule from the 16th to mid-18th centuries, the Mughals introduced Persian, Afghan, and Turkish cooking methods to Indian cuisine, bringing spices, textures, and creamy flavors. Known for their use of quality ingredients like nuts, saffron, cream, and butter, Mughal kitchens crafted dishes with complex flavors.
Shahi Paneer was crafted using mildly sweet and fragrant spices that we’ll talk about later in the article. These ingredients together create a smooth texture that makes Shahi Paneer a people pleaser, as with other dishes.
Have you tried our popular Shahi Paneer with garlic naan yet? We promise that this duo packs a flavor punch that will keep you coming for more! Visit our authentic Indian restaurant in Calgary and savor the true Indian flavors.
Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala: A Comparison
Before we begin comparing the two most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, we’d want you to try them at our authentic Indian restaurant in Calgary- Gate of India. To truly understand the flavor profile and how indulgent these two dishes are, you have to visit us with your loved ones.
- Ingredients
Paneer Butter Masala- The dish is crafted using tomatoes, fresh cream, authentic Indian spices, and traditional cooking methods that impart a rich and mouthwatering flavor.
Shahi Paneer- The base of the dish is crafted using a variety of nuts like cashews and almonds, spices like saffron and cardamom, and a variety of herbs to infuse its true flavor.
- What does it taste like?
Paneer Butter Masala- The dish tastes buttery with each mouthful with a slightly tangy aftertaste from the tomatoes and roast of the spices.
At our Indian restaurant in Calgary, we craft the dish using cubes of cottage cheese cooked in a thick onion-tomato gravy, topped with butter and a blend of secret Indian spices.
Shahi Paneer- The Shahi Paneer tastes slightly sweeter than paneer butter masala due to the use of fresh cream and nuts with undernotes of cardamom and saffron.
- How are they prepared?
Paneer Butter Masala- The dish is traditionally prepared by cooking a blend of onion and tomatoes in butter until slightly caramelized. Different herbs and spices, like garam masala, fresh cream, cumin, and red chili powder, along with coriander, are used to add authentic Indian flavor to the dish.
Shahi Paneer- Shahi Paneer is prepared by blending nuts into a fine paste and then cooking it with a selection of spices that enhance its overall taste. The dish is either cooked with a dollop of cream or topped with it right before serving.
Did you know at Gate of India, your friendly, authentic Indian restaurant in Calgary, Paneer butter masala and Shahi Paneer are among the most ordered dishes? Want to know why? Stop by our restaurant and experience the magic yourself.
- How do you pair?
Paneer Butter Masala- Paneer butter masala is a versatile dish and can be enjoyed with an assortment of breads like butter naan, tandoori roti, and fragrant basmati rice. Our restaurant in Calgary recommends a side of cooling raita, green salad, and pickles to balance the flavors.
Shahi Paneer- The dish is best enjoyed with jeera rice, soft fluffy paranthas, and sweet and savory chutney for a burst of flavor. You can also order Shahi Paneer from our Indian restaurant in Calgary, where our servers will help you pick the best sides that pair wonderfully with the dish.
Both Paneer Butter Masala and Shahi Paneer are popular Indian dishes you'll find at almost any Indian restaurant in Calgary—but choosing the best one makes all the difference. At Gate of India, we prioritize traditional preparation methods and authentic recipes, giving each dish its unique flavor.
For an unforgettable taste of authentic Indian cuisine in Calgary, visit Gate of India—and thank us later!