Paneer is that special ingredient which brings excitement and smiles to anyone’s face. This is the main source of protein for vegetarians and is considered to be made on special occasions. One could find a variety of recipes made from paneer varying from Indian, and Continental to Chinese flavours. It is considered to be so versatile in nature that if you visit a restaurant, you will find numerous options of paneer from Shahi Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Tikka, Paneer Chilli and whatnot.
The recipe shared here is simple, easy and very quick to make. Kadai Paneer is super creamy because of the cream used in the gravy and the soft paneer added to its creamy texture. This recipe is a bit different from the other paneer gravy recipes as it has cubed capsicum, onions and tomatoes apart from the onion tomato paste. The sauteed vegetables add a crunchy texture which balances the creamy flavour.
A savoury paneer dish prepared with spices and capsicum is called kadai paneer. Paneer is Indian cottage cheese, and kadai is the word for wok. This curry is from the Northern region of India and is renowned for its flavour. Because paneer has a great nutritional value, it is regarded as healthy and as something you should eat every day. Because it is high in calcium, selenium, and potassium, it gives you rapid energy. It is a wonderful choice for a vegetarian diet because it also has a high protein level.
Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For Kadai Masala
- 1 ½ tbsp Coriander seeds
- 2 tsp Cumin seeds
- 4-5 Kashmiri Red Chilli
- 1 ½ tbsp Peppercorns
- 1 tbsp Salt
For Kadai Paneer
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 inch Ginger, chopped
- 2 large Onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Degi chilli powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 2 large Tomatoes, puree
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Oil
- 1 Medium onion, slice
- ½ Capsicum, slice
- 1 Tomato, slice
- Salt to taste
- 250 Gram paneer, slice
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 1 tbsp Kadai Masala
- 1 tbsp Cream/ optional
- Coriander Sprig
Method
For Kadai masala
- Take a pan
- Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, Kashmiri red chilli, peppercorn and salt
- Dry roast it till you get a nutty aroma
- Let it cool and grind it into fine powder
For Kadai Paneer
- Take a pan, add oil/ghee
- Now add cumin, ginger and saute well
- Add onion, ginger garlic paste and saute till the raw smell goes off
- Add turmeric powder, degi chilli powder and coriander powder and saute well
- Add tomato puree, salt to taste and water and let it cook
- Take a pan, add oil/ ghee
- Add sliced onion, slice capsicum, slice tomato and salt and saute for a minute
- Add paneer slices to it and saute well
- Add kashmiri chilli powder and prepared kadai masala to it and saute well
- Add the prepared gravy to the pan and saute well
- Add cream and mix well
- Garnish it with coriander sprig
This recipe with smooth, soft and creamy texture could perfectly pair up with jeera rice, chapatis, naans or lachha parathas. It is one of the best recipes to be served for lunch or dinner to your vegetarian guests.