The Ultimate Kadhai Paneer Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kadhai Paneer, a beloved Indian dish, is a delightful amalgamation of spices, paneer, and vegetables. This dish takes you on a flavorful journey with its aromatic blend of spices and the rich, creamy texture of paneer. Follow this comprehensive recipe to prepare a delicious Kadhai Paneer at home.

Key Ingredients and Spices

Before we dive into the detailed steps, let's briefly look at the key ingredients and spices that will form the base of your Kadhai Paneer:

Paneer Cubes: 250 grams of fresh paneer, cut into cubes Vegetables: 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 1 large bell pepper, chopped Tomato Puree: 2-3 large tomatoes, pureed Sauteing Aromatics: 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, 2-3 slit green chilies, and 1 tablespoon of fresh cream (optional) Spices: 1 tablespoon each of coriander seeds and cumin seeds, 2-3 dried red chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) Other Seasoning: Oil and salt to taste, plus fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kadhai Masala

Start by prepping the kadhai masala, which forms the heart of this dish:

Combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, and 2-3 dried red chilies in a pan and dry roast until aromatic. Allow them to cool, then grind them coarsely using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Set the masala aside to use later.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables

Now, let's begin the cooking process:

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a kadhai (wok) or deep pan. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and add the slit green chilies, sautéing for another minute.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Puree

Next, add the spices and tomato puree to the mix:

Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the prepared kadhai masala to the pan. Sauté for about a minute to let the spices release their flavors. Include the tomato puree and let the mixture simmer until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 4: Cook the Paneer and Bell Peppers

Now, it's time to add the main ingredients:

Add the chopped bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's slightly tender but still crisp. Then, add the paneer cubes, season with salt, and gently mix to coat the paneer with the masala.

Step 5: Final Touches

As the dish nears completion, add a few finishing touches:

Stir in garam masala powder and kasuri methi, mixing well. If desired, add fresh cream at this stage and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To complete your Kadhai Paneer:

Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Enjoy it hot with naan, roti, or rice to fully experience the deliciousness.

Additional Tips for Perfect Results

For a Smoky Flavor: Roast the bell peppers on an open flame before chopping them to add a smokiness to the dish. A Richer Flavor: Add a few soaked and blended cashew nuts with the tomato puree for a richer and creamier texture. Adjust the Spice Levels: Tailor the spice levels to your taste preferences for a more personalized experience.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Kadhai Paneer!