Kadhai Paneer

Kadhai Paneer is a popular Indian paneer curry served in the restaurant. The Paneer along with capsicum and onions is cooked in a onion tomato based gravy with freshly ground spices known as kadhai masala. The freshly ground spices makes it aromatic, spicy and flavorful. Kadhai is a type of Indian wok . Since traditionally the curry is made in the wok it is known as Kadhai paneer. Kadhai paneer tastes best when served with roti/ naan/ paratha/ tandoori roti/ roomali roti or rice. Now a days restaurant often serve this kadhai paneer in small mini kadhai (wok).

I had added dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) while making kadhai masala. Addition of fenugreek leaves gives a very nice aroma and taste to the masala. The masala can be roasted in big batch and stored in an airtight container. The masala can be sprinkled on raita or it even enhances taste of rice dished such as pulao when added to it. The kadhai masala is what gives a unique and different taste to the curry.

You can also add another vegetables such as mushrooms or baby corn in the curry.

Different curry on the blog:

Paneer In Mushroom Curry

Paneer In Capsicum Curry

Methi Malai Matar (Fenugreek And Peas Curry With Cream)

Paneer Cheese Ghotala

Paneer Kofta Curry

Saag Paneer

Paneer Bhurji/Spicy Crumbled Cottage Cheese

Paneer Rasgulla Kaju Masala

Palak Peaneer

Friends do try the recipe and share your feedback with me.

Khao dilse, khilao dilse aur banao dilse…

Kadhai Paneer
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Kadhai Paneer

Kadhai Paneer is a popular Indian paneer curry served in the restaurant. The Paneer along with capsicum and onions is cooked in a onion tomato based gravy with freshly ground spices known as kadhai masala. The freshly ground spices makes it aromatic, spicy and flavorful. Kadhai is a type of Indian wok . Since traditionally the curry is made in the wok it is known as Kadhai paneer. Kadhai paneer tastes best when served with roti/ naan/ paratha/ tandoori roti/ roomali roti or rice. Now a days restaurant often serve this kadhai paneer in small mini kadhai (wok).
Course brunch, curry, dinner, festivalfood, gluten free, lunch, lunchbox, Main Course, maindish
Keyword capsicum, cottage cheese, curry, dhaba style, gluten free, kadhai paneer, mixedvegetables,, onion tomato gravy, onions, paneer, potluck, red capsicum, restaurant style, roasted spices, spices
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 506kcal

Equipment

  • small pan
  • spatula
  • mixer grinder
  • heavy bottom pan with lid
  • spoon
  • knife
  • flat pan

Ingredients

Kadhai Masala Mix (use 2tbsp of masala for this curry and rest masala can be stored in an airtight container)

Making gravy with vegetables and paneer

Instructions

To make spice mix

  • Dry roast the spices on medium heat in a pan – cumin seeds, fennel seeds, pepper corns, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, dry red chilies .
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Cook until aromatic and golden.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). Roast for half minute on medium heat.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Lower the heat and add coriander powder. (If you have coriander seeds then add them in place of powder in the first step).
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Roast for half minute on low heat. Remove from heat and let the spices cool.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Transfer cool spices in the mixer grinder and grind into a fine powder. (We will use only 2 tbsp of spice mix for the recipe. The remaining spice mix can be stored in an air tight container and used for another time or I like to sprinkle some on it in raita or making pulao)
    Kadhai Paneer

Making gravy with vegetables and paneer

  • (I forgot to take the pic of first step). Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 tsp butter to it. Add finely chopped or crushed onions and saute on medium heat till translucent and soft. Add ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell of ginger garlic goes away. Add crushed tomatoes .
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Mix well.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Cover and cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes till they soften.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Remove the lid and cook further 5-7 minutes on high heat till the water evaporates stirring continuously. The water is dried after 7 minutes.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add spices – red chili powder, 2 tbsp of prepared kadhai mix and saute till spices are mixed well ( I forgot to click picture with spices). Now add salt. Mix well.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add cashew nut paste and water. Mix well and lower the heat , cover and cook curry for 10 minutes.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • In the mean time. Heat remaining oil and butter in the pan. Add chopped veggies – onions, red and green capsicum. (You can add mushroom, baby corn too).
    Kadhai Paneer
  • And just toss on high heat till they are coated with oil and butter. Do not over cook and soften them. They should be firm and crunchy. Remove the veggies in a plate.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add cubed paneer in the same pan on medium heat.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Cook golden on both sides flipping in between. Remove from heat.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add veggies to the simmering curry. Mix well.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add paneer. Mix well.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Add kasuri methi crushed between palms and cover and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes till all the flavors are nicely absorbed. Add chopped coriander and mix well. The kadhai paneer is ready.
    Kadhai Paneer
  • Remove kadhai paneer in a serving bowl. Garnish with coriander and serve with roti, or paratha or naan or rice and enjoy.
    Kadhai Paneer

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 607mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1891IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 497mg | Iron: 3mg

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