Paneer Kadai is a popular and flavorful North Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich, spicy tomato-based gravy. What makes this dish stand out is its special blend of spices, often freshly ground and cooked in a “kadai” or wok, which gives it an aromatic and bold flavor. Paneer Kadai is an excellent vegetarian curry option, pairing perfectly with naan, roti, or even rice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply craving something spicy, this dish is sure to impress!

Let’s dive into the easy step-by-step recipe to make Paneer Kadai at home.

Cooking Time

● Preparation Time: 15 minutes
● Cooking Time: 25 minutes
● Total Time: 40 minutes

Serving

● Serves: 4 people

Calories Per Serving

● Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving

Ingredients

● For the Paneer:
○ 250g paneer, cubed
○ 1 tablespoon oil for shallow frying (optional)
● For the Kadai Masala:
○ 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
○ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
○ 2 dried red chilies
● For the Gravy:
○ 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
○ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
○ 2 medium onions, finely chopped
○ 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
○ 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
○ 1 green chili, slit
○ 1 small green bell pepper (capsicum), chopped
○ 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
○ 1 teaspoon red chili powder
○ 1 teaspoon garam masala
○ 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
○ Salt to taste
○ Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions to Prepare

Step 1: Prepare the Kadai Masala

● In a dry pan, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies on low heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
● Let the spices cool slightly, then grind them coarsely using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. This freshly ground masala is key to the dish’s flavor.

Step 2: Fry the Paneer (Optional)

● Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes until they are golden on all sides. You can skip this step if you prefer softer paneer in your gravy.

Step 3: Cook the Gravy

● In a large kadai or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
● Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
● Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
● Now, add the chopped tomatoes and green chili. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
● Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the freshly ground kadai masala. Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Paneer

● Add the chopped green bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes. The bell pepper should remain slightly crunchy.
● Now, gently add the fried or raw paneer cubes to the gravy and mix to coat them well with the masala.
● Sprinkle garam masala, kasuri methi, and salt to taste. Stir everything together and let the paneer simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

● Turn off the heat and garnish the Paneer Kadai with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
● Serve hot with naan, chapati, or rice, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this rich, aromatic dish!

Conclusion

Paneer Kadai is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings the authentic taste of Indian spices to your table. The freshly ground kadai masala and soft paneer make it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re in Muscat and craving authentic Indian flavors, visit RazmAzaan Indian Restaurant to enjoy Paneer Kadai and a variety of other traditional Indian dishes. Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary experience!

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