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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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