Kadai Paneer Recipe
Kadai Paneer Recipe: As a housewife, food critic, and passionate cook, I have a special place in my heart for the traditional Indian dish, Kadai Paneer. This flavorful dish brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings, with its tantalizing aroma and hearty taste. The sizzling sound of the spices being fried in a kadai (a traditional Indian wok) is music to my ears and immediately transports me to the streets of India. The tender, juicy paneer paired with bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, is an explosion of flavors in your mouth, with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. This dish is an all-time favorite and a staple in most Indian households.
What is Kadai Paneer?
Kadai Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices. It is a semi-gravy dish that is cooked in a traditional Indian wok called “kadai,” hence the name. The dish is known for its rich and spicy flavors, with a hint of sweetness from the bell peppers and tomatoes. It is commonly served with roti, naan, or rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Variations of Kadai Paneer
- Kadai Paneer with a Twist: This variation adds a tangy twist to the classic recipe by using ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, making it perfect for those who love a bit of zing in their food.
- Makhani Kadai Paneer: This version of Kadai Paneer is made with a creamy, tomato-based sauce that has a buttery flavor and a velvety texture. It is garnished with cream and fresh coriander, making it a perfect comfort food for those cold, winter nights.
- Spicy Kadai Paneer: This variation adds extra heat to the classic recipe, with the use of red chili powder, cayenne pepper, and other spicy seasonings. It is perfect for those who love their food with a bit of heat.
- Paneer Tikka Kadai: This dish combines the flavors of paneer tikka and Kadai Paneer, making it a perfect fusion dish. The paneer is marinated in a spicy mixture and then stir-fried with the other ingredients to create a flavorful and delicious dish.
Nutrition in Kadai Paneer
Kadai Paneer is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. The paneer provides an excellent source of calcium and protein, while the bell peppers and tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The spices used in the dish have numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. However, the dish is also high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Step by Step Kadai Paneer Recipe
Kadai Paneer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole Onions sliced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 to whole Tomato finely chopped
- 4 tbsp kashmiri red chilli powder dried
- 2 tsp oil
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera) jeera
- 3 clove garlic crushed
- 1 inch ginger chopped
- 1 tbsp butter, salted
- 1 tbsp bay leaf / tej patta
- 1 tbsp green chillies slit
- 1 tsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves kasuri methi
- ½ whole Onions petals
- ½ whole capsicum / bell peppers cube
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
- 12 cube paneer / cottage cheese cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp cream
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
- Ensure that all your ingredients are ready and handy
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a kadai/wok, and sauté 1 bay leaf, 1 green chilli, 1 tsp kasuri methi. Continue until you can smell the aroma.
- Then, sauté ½ onion petals and ½ cubed capsicum, and add ¼ tsp turmeric and ½ tsp chilli powder, as well as blended tomato-onion paste. Stir and mix.
- Add previously prepared kadai masala and 1 tsp salt and cook till the masala paste starts to release oil. Then add ½-1 cup water adjusting consistency as required.
- Time for paneer! Add 16 cubes of paneer/cottage cheese, together with 2 tbsp cream and mix gently. Let it sit and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Now add ¼ tsp garam masala and 2 tbsp coriander leaves. Stir well.
- Ta da! Your Kadai-Paneer is ready to serve! Best enjoyed with naan or chapati
Notes & Tips
- Use red onions for taste; white onions work well too, but I prefer red onions
- Use a a frying pan or a wok, if you do not have a kadai.
- Use a grinder or blender to grind the spices for kadai masala
- Best to use home made paneer, but store bought paneer can be used as well. Frozen paneer cubes need to be soaked in hot water before adding them
- Vegans can us Tofu instead of Paneer
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Kadai Paneer Recipe
What is Kadai Paneer?
Kadai Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that consists of cottage cheese (paneer) cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices, including coriander, cumin, and garam masala. The dish gets its name from the traditional “kadai” cooking pot that it is made in. It’s a delicious, flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish that is enjoyed by many.
What kind of paneer should I use for Kadai Paneer?
For the best results, it’s recommended to use fresh, homemade paneer for Kadai Paneer. Store-bought paneer can be used, but it may not be as soft and fresh-tasting as homemade. If using store-bought paneer, be sure to soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using to help make it softer.
How spicy is Kadai Paneer?
The spiciness level of Kadai Paneer can vary depending on the cook and their personal taste preferences. Some recipes call for a lot of red chili powder, making the dish quite spicy, while others use less for a milder flavor. You can adjust the amount of red chili powder to your liking to make the dish as spicy or mild as you prefer.
Can I make Kadai Paneer without tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Kadai Paneer, as they help to create the thick, flavorful sauce that the dish is known for. However, if you don’t have tomatoes, you can try using canned tomato sauce or puree as a substitute. Be aware that the final dish may have a slightly different taste and texture, but it should still be delicious.
Can I make Kadai Paneer in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Kadai Paneer in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the spices, onions, and tomatoes on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook for 2-3 hours on high heat. You can also cook it on low heat for 4-5 hours if you prefer a slower cook time.
Can I make Kadai Paneer gluten-free?
Yes, Kadai Paneer can easily be made gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour when making the tomato-based sauce, and be sure to check the labels of any other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Is Kadai Paneer vegan?
No, Kadai Paneer is not vegan, as it contains cottage cheese (paneer), which is made from dairy milk. However, you can try using tofu or another plant-based cheese substitute in place of the paneer to make a vegan version of the dish.
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