Healthy Recipe
Kadai Paneer is one of the most popular North Indian dishes, loved for its rich flavor, aromatic spices, and vibrant appearance. This easy version of Kadai Paneer brings restaurant-style taste right into your kitchen without complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
What is Kadai Paneer?
“Kadai” refers to a traditional Indian wok used in cooking, and “paneer” is Indian cottage cheese. Together, they form a tasty delicious flavorful dish where paneer cubes are cooked with crunchy bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and freshly ground spices known as kadai masala.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 200 grams paneer (cubed)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 large tomato (chopped)
- 1/2 cup capsicum (green bell pepper, sliced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Kadai Masala (freshly ground):
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4-5 dried red chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
Dry roast these spices in a pan on low flame until aromatic (about 2-3 minutes). Cool and grind into a coarse powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Make the Kadai Masala: As mentioned, dry roast the whole spices, cool, and grind. This spice mix gives the dish its signature aroma and flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan or kadai. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn light golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate. This forms the base of the masala.
- Add the Masala: Add the ground kadai masala and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Toss in Capsicum: Add sliced capsicum and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. The capsicum should stay slightly crunchy to retain the authentic texture.
- Add Paneer: Add paneer cubes and gently mix until coated with the masala. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions:
Kadai Paneer pairs perfectly with naan, roti, paratha, or also with jeera rice. It can also be served as a part of a festive or everyday Indian meal.
Conclusion
This easy Kadai Paneer recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With minimal prep and bold flavors, it’s a great dish to whip up for family dinners or small gatherings. Try it once, and it may become a regular on your home menu!
