Authentic Kadai Paneer Recipe With 9 Easy Steps

Authentic Kadai Paneer Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner with Flavors of India

Discover the secrets to making the perfect Kadai Paneer at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Learn how to prepare this aromatic and flavorful Indian dish with tender paneer, bell peppers, and a medley of spices. Elevate your culinary skills and savor the rich, restaurant-quality taste of Kadai Paneer right in your kitchen. Try it today!

Kadai Paneer, a popular North Indian dish, is a delightful combination of succulent paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and an aromatic blend of spices, cooked in a traditional Indian wok or “kadai.” This dish is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a treat for your senses, thanks to its rich and flavorful gravy. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare a delicious Kadai Paneer at home. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and satisfy your craving for authentic Indian flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Kadai Paneer dish, you will need:

• 250 grams of paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2-3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 capsicum, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

For the Kadai Masala:

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 dry red chilies
• 1-2 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 black peppercorns
• 1-2 cloves

Instructions:

Prepare the Kadai Masala:

• Heat a dry pan on medium heat and roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, and cloves until they become fragrant. Ensure not to burn them.
• Allow the roasted spices to cool, and then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Cooking the Kadai Paneer:

• Heat oil in a kadai or a deep pan on medium heat. You can also use a regular skillet if you don’t have a kadai.
• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate.
• Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the masalas are well-cooked and the oil separates.
• Add the sliced capsicum and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain their crunch.

Add the Paneer:

• Gently add the paneer cubes to the kadai, along with the ground kadai masala. Mix well, ensuring the paneer is coated with the flavorful masala.
• Cover the kadai and let the paneer cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the spices and flavors.

Finish with Garam Masala:

• Uncover the kadai, sprinkle garam masala, and give it a final stir.

Garnish and Serve:

• Transfer the Kadai Paneer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Kadai Paneer is a delightful dish that perfectly balances spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors. This recipe offers an authentic taste of North India that you can savor in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder version, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Kadai Paneer is sure to be a hit at your dinner table, and it’s perfect for entertaining guests too. Enjoy the flavors of India with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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