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Kadai Paneer

Kadai Paneer: A Comforting Indian Classic You’ll Love

Kadai Paneer is a delicious and hearty dish featuring tender paneer and colorful vegetables, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Kadai Masala
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander Seeds Add earthy flavor; substitute with ground coriander if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Provides warmth and depth; can use ground cumin in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds Offer a sweet, licorice flavor; omit if preferred.
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chilies Introduce spice and color; use less for a milder dish.
Curry Base
  • 2 tablespoons Oil For cooking; vegetable or canola oil can be used as alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee Adds richness; substitute with additional oil if desired.
  • 1 medium Onion Base flavor for the dish; shallots or leeks can be used as substitutes.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Enhances aroma and taste; omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 inch Ginger Provides warmth and a hint of spice; use ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.
  • 2 medium Tomatoes Add acidity and moisture; canned tomatoes can be used.
Final Touches
  • 1/2 cup Cream Adds richness to the curry; coconut milk can be a non-dairy substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) Enhances flavor; can skip if unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander For garnish and freshness; use parsley as a substitute.
  • 250 grams Paneer Main protein; fresh paneer is ideal, but frozen paneer can be softened in warm water first.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Deep pan
  • Spice grinder

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kadai Paneer
  1. In a dry skillet, add coriander seeds, cumin, fennel seeds, and dried red chilies. Roast for about 3–5 minutes, then grind into a coarse powder.
  2. Heat oil and ghee in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds, followed by garlic and ginger. Sauté until aromatic, then add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
  3. Stir in turmeric, chili powder, and Kadai Masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened and oil separates from the masala.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in cream and kasuri methi. Simmer for 5 minutes and adjust seasoning.
  6. In a separate pan, stir-fry sliced onions, capsicum, and diced tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, then add paneer and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Fold the stir-fried vegetables and paneer into the spiced gravy and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Garnish with julienned ginger and fresh coriander before serving with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Make ahead for deeper flavor. Control spiciness by adjusting chili levels. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

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