Kadai Paneer Recipe – Spiced Cottage Cheese with Green Bell Peppers
Kadai Paneer is a delightful North Indian dish that brings together the richness of homemade paneer (cottage cheese) and the zesty freshness of green bell peppers. The curry is infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi), giving it a unique and flavorful twist. The combination of these ingredients makes for a dish that is both vibrant in color and tantalizing in taste, perfect for a cozy dinner.
This classic Punjabi recipe is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great option for those looking for a hearty, high-protein vegetarian dish. It pairs wonderfully with dal, chapati, or even a fragrant serving of paneer pulav.
Cuisine:
Punjabi
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients for Kadai Paneer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon, grated |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon, or 1 badi elaichi |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | For cooking |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Heat the Oil:
- In a heavy-bottomed wok or kadai, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, green bell pepper (capsicum), grated ginger, and finely chopped garlic.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the bell peppers become tender.
-
Cook the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the wok along with turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, and black pepper powder.
- Stir well and cook until the tomatoes release their juices and the water evaporates, leaving behind a thick paste-like consistency.
-
Add Butter and Aromatics:
- Once the tomato paste is ready, add 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the cardamom powder (or badi elaichi) and a pinch of salt, sautéing for another minute or so to release the fragrance of the spices.
-
Incorporate Paneer and Kasuri Methi:
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the wok, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the paneer.
- Add the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and mix thoroughly. Let the paneer soak up all the flavors for 3-4 minutes.
-
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
- Cover the wok with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the kadai paneer simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and the paneer to absorb the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the salt and spice levels as needed.
-
Serve:
- Once done, remove from heat and transfer the Kadai Paneer to a serving bowl.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, or a side of dal. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing dessert like Sooji Halwa.
Enjoy the rich, spicy goodness of Kadai Paneer, a dish that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
Serving Suggestions:
- Dal Tadka – A comforting, spiced lentil dish
- Phulka – Soft, thin wheat bread
- Paneer Pulav – Fragrant rice with paneer cubes
- Sooji Halwa – A light semolina dessert to complete the meal
This Kadai Paneer recipe makes for an easy yet impressive addition to your weeknight dinners or festive meals. Its combination of rich flavors, protein-packed paneer, and aromatic spices is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
