Rashmi Sharma Kadai Paneer is a popular and flavorful North Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a spicy and aromatic gravy. It is typically prepared with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Indian spices, making it a perfect dish to serve with roti, naan, or rice. The dish gets its name from the kadai (a wok-like Indian pan) in which it is traditionally cooked, but it can be made in any pan.
Here’s how to make Kadai Paneer:
Kadai Paneer Recipe | What Is The Recipe Of Kadai Paneer
Ingredients
For the curry
- 3/4 cup paneer , cubed
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (capsicum), diced
- 1/2 cup red onions , diced
- 3/4 cup tomatoes , diced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/4 cup curd
- 2-3 tbsp oil
- Salt to season
For the Masala
- 2-3 Brown Cardamom (badi elaichi)
- 1/2 tsp Ajwain (or carom)
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 2 Green Cardamom (choti elaichi)
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (Sabut Methi)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 Cloves (Laung)
- 10-15 Red chilies
- 1 tsp Black Pepper corns
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
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Add all the paneer cubes to hot water and let it remain until ready to use. This gives thee paneer a soft melt-in-mouth texture.
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Except for the turmeric, salt and sugar, dry roast all the other ingredients in a pan on medium-high heat.
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Constantly mix the ingredients while roasting or they could burn. Continue the process until a faint aroma of spices begins to fill the kitchen.
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Turn off the heat, set aside and let it cool.
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Blend the cooled down ingredients along with turmeric, Himalayan salt and sugar to make a fine powder.
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Keep the masala covered to retain the aroma and flavors.
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Meanwhile, heat some oil in the same pan. Once hot, add the diced onions and bell beppers and cook until they are slightly soft.
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Add the diced tomatoes and cook further until the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked. You can see the oil has separated from the tomatoes and veggies.
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Now add the masala into the pan along with some salt.
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Add the paneer cubes and mix well.
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Now, add the curd and a very small quantity of water. Cover and allow to cook until the curry begins to boil.
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Uncover and continue cooking until the curry reaches desired consistency.
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Top it with some crushed dry fenugreek leaves i.e Kasoori methi and serve hot with some naan bread.
Tips:
- Paneer: For the best texture, use fresh or homemade paneer. If you’re using store-bought paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them before adding to the curry.
- Kadai Masala: The freshly ground kadai masala is key to the distinct flavor of the dish. Roasting the spices enhances their aroma and adds depth to the gravy.
- Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas if you want to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- Adjusting Heat: You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by modifying the amount of green chilies, red chili powder, and dried red chilies in the kadai masala.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier version of Kadai Paneer, you can add a little fresh cream or cashew paste towards the end of cooking.
Variations:
- Kadai Tofu: If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can replace the paneer with tofu for a vegan version of this dish.
- Kadai Paneer with Gravy: If you prefer more gravy, you can adjust the amount of water you add to the curry. Simmer the gravy to your desired consistency.
- Spicy Kadai Paneer: Add more green chilies or chili flakes if you like it extra spicy.
Health Benefits:
- Paneer is a great source of protein and calcium, making this dish a good option for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more protein to their diet.
- Bell Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for skin health, immunity, and overall well-being.
- The spices used in Kadai Paneer, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, are not only aromatic but also have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Kadai Paneer is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering. Its rich taste, aromatic spices, and creamy texture will surely delight your taste buds!
