Kadai Paneer Paneer cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a spicy and tangy gravy, often garnished with fresh coriander
Kadai Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and bell peppers, cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. The dish is named after the utensil it’s traditionally cooked in, a “kadai” or “karahi,” which is a thick, circular, and deep cooking pot. Kadai Paneer is known for its bold and robust flavors, with a distinct blend of spices that give it a rich and aromatic profile. It’s often enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice, making it a versatile and beloved dish in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Kadai Masala:
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4-5 dried red chilies
For the Kadai Paneer:
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper (capsicum), sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1-inch piece ginger, julienned
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Kadai Masala:
- In a dry pan, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies on low heat until they are fragrant.
- Let them cool slightly, then grind them into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Set aside.
Cooking the Kadai Paneer:
- Heat oil or ghee in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat.
- Add the julienned ginger and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they soften slightly but still have some crunch.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend into the mixture, forming a thick gravy.
- Add the freshly ground kadai masala and garam masala. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the gravy.
- Add the paneer cubes and gently toss to coat them in the gravy. Add a little water if the gravy is too thick.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the paneer is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
Serving:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal
- Proteins: ~12-15g
- Carbs: ~15-20g
- Fiber: ~4-5g
Nutritional Summary:
Kadai Paneer is a nutritious dish with a good balance of protein from the paneer and fiber from the vegetables. It provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, making it a filling meal. The dish is relatively calorie-dense due to the paneer and oil, but it’s also rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins from the vegetables. The bold flavors and spices make it a satisfying and popular choice for a vegetarian main course