Shahi Veg Handi

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Vegetables & Paneer

2. 01

   Preheat the oven to 375°F.

3. 02

   Cut the paneer, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and any optional vegetables into small bite-sized pieces.

4. 03

   Spread them on an oven tray. Drizzle lightly with oil if desired (especially if not using a nonstick tray).

5. 04

   Bake for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are lightly roasted and the paneer is slightly firm.

6. 05

   Note: Some recipes deep fry the vegetables and paneer, but roasting gives great flavor without the extra oil.

7. Prepare Your Shahi Masala Base

8. 06

   Add onion, peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, star anise, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and cashews to a blender.

9. 07

   Slowly add water and blend into a completely smooth paste.

10. 08

    Take your time here - a smooth masala base is what gives this dish that rich, restaurant-style texture without any unpleasant pieces of spices or nuts while eating.

11. Prepare the Milk Components

12. 09

    Mix yogurt with enough water to create a thin buttermilk-like consistency.

13. 10

    Keep the coconut milk ready.

14. 11

    Note: If following Ayurvedic practices where heating yogurt is avoided, thinning yogurt into buttermilk and adding it toward the end gives you the yogurt flavor while being gentler.

15. Make the Shahi Veg Handi

16. 12

    Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

17. 13

    Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.

18. 14

    Add the cubed onion and sauté until soft.

19. 15

    Add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and kasuri methi.

20. 16

    Add the prepared shahi masala paste and cook covered on medium heat until the oil begins to separate and the raw smell disappears.

21. 17

    Add the roasted vegetables, paneer, and frozen peas. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

22. 18

    Add the coconut milk and simmer gently.

23. 19

    After a few minutes, add the buttermilk and mix well. Cook on low heat until everything comes together.

24. 20

    Finish with saffron-infused water, extra kasuri methi, and optional ghee-fried dry fruits.

25. 21

    This Shahi Veg Handi is a rich, festive dish that brings wonderful variety to everyday roti meals. Unlike many North Indian gravies, this version skips tomatoes and lets the nuts, spices, coconut milk, and roasted vegetables shine.

26. 22

    It pairs beautifully with roti, chapati, naan, or paratha.