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Kadai Paneer Recipe

Kadai Paneer is a popular Indian dish featuring paneer and bell peppers in a spicy tomato-based gravy. Flavored with spices like cumin and garam masala, it’s typically served hot with naan or rice, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course paneer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cut into cubes
  • 1 Bell peppers (capsicum) medium-sized, diced
  • 3 Tomatoes large, finely chopped
  • 2 Onions medium-sized, finely chopped
  • 2 Green chilies slit (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoon Kadai masala (recipe below orstore-bought)
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves a handful, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt to taste

For Kadai Masala (if makingat home):

  • 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 2-3 Dry red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black peppercorns
  • ½ teaspoon Fennel seeds

Instructions
 

Prepare Kadai Masala

  • First, heat a small pan over medium heat. Next, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Dry roast them for 1-2 minutes until they smell nice.
  • After that, let the spices cool. Then, grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set this aside for later.

Cook the Base

  • Now, go ahead and heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a kadai or large skillet over medium heat. This step is important because it sets the stage for cooking the ingredients perfectly.
  • Next, you should add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the pan. Allow them to splutter, as this process not only releases their flavors but also enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  • After that, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it smells good.

Prepare the Sauce

  • Now, add finely chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes break down and the oil separates, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  • Then, add the prepared kadai masala and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Paneer

  • Next, add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes so they stay crunchy.
  • Next, gently fold in the paneer cubes, making sure they are well mixed. Then, cook for 5-7 minutes so the paneer can absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
  • Finally, stir in the garam masala and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Garnish

  • To finish, don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh coriander leaves on top. This will give your dish an extra burst of freshness and color! It’s the perfect finishing touch that enhances both the flavor and presentation.

Notes

Creative Variations of Kadai Paneer

1. Kadai Paneer with Mushroom: For an exciting twist, try adding mushrooms!  They bring an earthy flavor that makes the dish even heartier. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! 
2. Kadai Paneer with Baby Corn: Want to add more veggies? Go ahead and toss in some baby corn or zucchini! They make the dish extra colorful and crunchy, adding a delightful texture to every bite. 
3. Smoked Kadai Paneer: For an extra smoky flavor, try the dhungar technique. Simply place a hot charcoal in a small bowl inside the curry, cover it, and let the smoke work its magic!  It's a game-changer for the taste!
4. Kadai Paneer Tikka: For a grilled version, marinate the paneer in yogurt and spices, then grill it to get that smoky, charred flavor before adding it to the curry. It's like two amazing dishes in one! 

Storage & Reheating Tips

    • Cool Before Storing: First, let your Kadai Paneer cool down before storing it. This helps keep it fresh and prevents condensation from making it soggy!
    • Airtight Container: Store your leftover curry in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps your dish tasting just as good later! 
    • Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them slowly on low heat. You can add a splash of water or cream to bring back that perfect gravy texture! 
    • Freezer-Friendly: If you want to store it for longer, freeze the curry in small portions. It’ll stay good for up to 2-3 months, and you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime! 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Kadai Paneer Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
40
mg
13
%
Sodium
 
300
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
650
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
17
g
34
%
Vitamin A
 
900
IU
18
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
 
3
mg
15
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.6
mg
6
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.4
mg
20
%
Vitamin C
 
30
mg
36
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
330
mg
33
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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