Zafrani Paneer Recipe: Royal Kashmiri-Style Saffron Paneer That Melts in Your Mouth
Zafrani Paneer Recipe: Royal Kashmiri-Style Saffron Paneer That Melts in Your Mouth
Discover the authentic Zafrani Paneer recipe made with premium saffron, rich spices, and creamy paneer. A royal vegetarian delicacy perfect for festivals and special dinners.
By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: January 9, 2026
Zafrani Paneer Recipe: A Royal Saffron Delight
Zafrani Paneer is not just a dish—it is a celebration of luxury, aroma, and heritage. Inspired by Kashmiri and Mughlai cuisine, this royal vegetarian delicacy uses pure saffron (zafran) to elevate humble paneer into a dish fit for kings. The delicate floral notes of saffron combined with creamy textures and mild spices make Zafrani Paneer a perfect choice for festive occasions, dinner parties, or when you simply want to indulge in something special.
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Unlike spicy paneer gravies, zafrani paneer curry is subtle, aromatic, and rich without being overpowering. Its golden hue and irresistible fragrance instantly set it apart on the dining table.
Why Zafrani Paneer Is Special
- Made with premium saffron strands
- Mildly spiced, creamy, and aromatic
- A luxurious alternative to Shahi Paneer
- Perfect for weddings, festivals, and celebrations
- Pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or saffron rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Paneer – 250 grams (cubed)
- Saffron strands – 12–15 (soaked in warm milk)
- Full cream milk – 1 cup
- Fresh cream – ½ cup
- Ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Spices & Aromatics
- Green cardamom – 3 pods
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small
- Bay leaf – 1
- Ginger paste – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
- White pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
- Nutmeg powder – a pinch
- Sugar – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Optional Garnish
- Slivered almonds
- Dried rose petals
- Fresh coriander leaves
How to Make Zafrani Paneer (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Step 1: Prepare the Saffron Milk
Soak saffron strands in 3 tablespoons of warm milk and keep aside for 10 minutes. This releases the color and aroma essential for authentic zafrani paneer.
Step 2: Lightly Fry the Paneer
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and lightly sauté paneer cubes until just golden. Remove and keep aside.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pan, add the remaining ghee. Add bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Gravy
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Pour in milk and fresh cream, stirring continuously on low heat.
Step 5: Infuse the Saffron
Add saffron milk, white pepper, nutmeg, sugar, and salt. Let the gravy simmer gently—do not boil.
Step 6: Add Paneer & Finish
Add paneer cubes, mix gently, and cook for 5 minutes. Adjust consistency with warm milk if needed.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with almonds and rose petals for a royal finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, or saffron rice
- Ideal for festive thalis and celebratory meals
- Complements light starters and desserts
Pro Tips for Perfect Zafrani Paneer
- Always use pure Kashmiri saffron for authentic flavor
- Keep the flame low to avoid curdling
- Avoid strong spices to preserve the saffron aroma
- Fresh paneer gives the best texture
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a dish that defines elegance, tradition, and indulgence, Zafrani Paneer is your answer. This saffron-infused paneer recipe is not only visually stunning but also rich in flavor, making it a guaranteed showstopper for your food blog and social media feeds.
About the Author
Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.