Kadai Paneer Recipe
Kadai Paneer is a popular North Indian dish that features chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The name “Kadai” refers to the Indian cooking vessel, resembling a wok, in which the dish is traditionally prepared. Here’s a detailed description of how to make Kadai Paneer:
Ingredients:
– 250 grams, paneer (cottage cheese) cut into cubes
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
– 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
– 1 capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 cup fresh cream
– 2 tablespoons oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
For the Kadai Paneer Recipe Masala:
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 2-3 dried red chilies
– 4-5 black peppercorns
– 2 green cardamom pods
– 1-inch cinnamon stick
Instructions Kadai Paneer Recipe:
1. Dry roast all the ingredients for the kadai masala in a pan until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind to a coarse powder. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a kadai or large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and saute until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, Saute for another couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Now, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
5. Add the sliced capsicum and sauté for a few minutes until it softens slightly.
6. Stir in the ground kadai masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
7. Add the paneer cubes to the kadai masala and mix gently, ensuring the paneer is well coated with the masala.
8. Pour in the fresh cream and mix well. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and sprinkle them over the kadai paneer, Add garam masala and give it a final stir.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and remove from heat.
Your restaurant-style Kadai Paneer is ready to be served hot with naan, roti, or rice. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this popular Indian dish.
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Additional Information For the Kadai Paneer Recipe:
1. Paneer Preparation: If you’re making paneer at home, you’ll need to prepare it in advance. To do this, heat 1 liter of milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once it comes to a boil, add 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar slowly while stirring continuously. The milk will start to curdle, and the whey will separate from the curdled milk solids (paneer). Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth, rinse the paneer under cold water to remove the sourness from the lemon juice or vinegar, and then squeeze out excess water. Press the paneer under a heavy object for 1-2 hours to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.
2. Choosing Paneer:If you’re buying paneer from the store, ensure you get fresh paneer for the best taste and texture. Firm paneer works well for this dish as it holds its shape during cooking.
3. Tomatoes: Using ripe and juicy tomatoes is essential for Kadai Paneer. You can blanch the tomatoes before chopping to easily remove the skin, although this step is optional.
4. Capsicum Variation: While green capsicum is traditionally used in Kadai Paneer, you can also add red and yellow capsicums for a pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor.
5. Kadai Masala: Toasting whole spices for the Kadai Masala enhances their flavor. You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the number of dried red chilies according to your taste.
6. Cooking Technique:Cooking Kadai Paneer on medium heat ensures that the spices are cooked thoroughly without burning. Stirring frequently prevents sticking and ensures even distribution of flavors.
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By paying attention to these details and incorporating them into your cooking process, you can elevate your Kadai Paneer to restaurant-quality standards. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices, creamy texture, and tender paneer in every bite.
