Here’s a delicious and easy Kadai Paneer recipe for you to try at home. This North Indian dish features paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a spicy, aromatic tomato-based gravy with bell peppers and kadai masala.
Kadai Paneer Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
For Kadai Masala (Dry Spice Mix):
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cubed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare Kadai Masala:
- Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies, peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and fennel seeds in a pan for 2-3 mins on low heat until fragrant.
- Cool and grind into a coarse powder. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Onions & Spices:
- Heat oil/ghee in a kadai (or pan). Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 min.
- Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates (~5-7 mins).
3️⃣ Add Capsicum & Spices:
- Toss in cubed capsicum and cook for 2-3 mins.
- Add the freshly ground kadai masala and garam masala. Mix well.
4️⃣ Add Paneer & Finish:
- Gently stir in paneer cubes and cook for 2 mins.
- Sprinkle kasuri methi and fresh cream (if using). Mix lightly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
5️⃣ Serve Hot:
- Enjoy with naan, roti, or jeera rice!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, lightly fry paneer before adding.
- Adjust spice levels as per preference.
- Replace cream with yogurt for a lighter version.
