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Easy Kadai Paneer

Easy Kadai Paneer

Learn how to make the ultimate restaurant-style Kadai Paneer with soft paneer cubes, crunchy bell peppers, and a freshly ground, aromatic spice blend.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: North Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g Paneer cut into cubes
  • 150 g Bell Peppers diced into squares (mix of green and red)
  • 100 g Onion separated into petals
  • 1.5 tbsp Coriander Seeds for Kadai Masala
  • 3 whole Dry Red Chilies for Kadai Masala
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seeds for Kadai Masala
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds for Kadai Masala
  • 1 large Onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup Tomato Purée freshly blended
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste freshly ground preferred
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil or Ghee
  • 1 tsp Kasuri Methi dried fenugreek leaves

Method
 

  1. Dry roast coriander seeds, fennel, cumin, and dried red chilies in a small pan over low heat until fragrant and slightly dark.
  2. Let the toasted spices cool, then grind them into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Flash-fry paneer cubes, bell pepper squares, and onion petals for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add remaining oil to the same pan. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown, then stir in ginger-garlic paste for 1 minute.
  5. Add tomato purée and half of the freshly ground Kadai Masala. Cook until oil separates from the sides of the paste.
  6. Pour in a splash of water to loosen the gravy. Fold in the seared paneer and veggies, and simmer gently for 3 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining Kadai Masala and crush kasuri methi over the hot curry. Serve immediately.