How to Make Kadai Paneer at Home

What is Kadai Paneer?

Kadai Paneer is a popular Indian dish made using paneer (Indian cottage cheese), fresh vegetables like onions and bell peppers, and aromatic spices. The dish gets its name from the “kadai,” a traditional Indian wok-like cooking pan in which it is prepared.

This semi-dry curry is flavorful, mildly spiced, and pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or even plain steamed rice. A freshly ground spice mix, known as “kadai masala,” is the star of this recipe, giving the dish its bold and authentic taste.

Ingredients for Kadai Paneer

For Kadai Masala:

• 1.5 tbsp coriander seeds
• 5–6 dried Kashmiri red chilies (seeds removed)

For the Curry:

• 250 g paneer, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2.5 cups tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cup capsicum (green bell pepper), julienned
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make Kadai Paneer

Step 1: Prepare Kadai Masala

1. In a dry pan, roast coriander seeds and Kashmiri red chilies on low heat until fragrant.
2. Cool the roasted spices and grind them into a semi-fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Base

1. Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until the mixture turns soft and starts releasing oil.

Step 3: Add Spices and Vegetables

1. Mix the prepared kadai masala into the tomato mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
2. Add capsicum slices and sauté for 3–4 minutes. The capsicum should remain slightly crunchy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Add turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gently fold in the paneer cubes, ensuring they are coated evenly with the masala.
3. Sprinkle crushed kasuri methi and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kadai Paneer hot with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

For a creative twist, use the semi-dry curry as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Expert Tips

1. Use fresh and soft paneer for the best taste. You can soak store-bought paneer in warm water for 10 minutes to make it softer.
2. Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the number of red chilies and green chilies.
3. For a richer taste, add a splash of cream at the end.