
Kadai Paneer Recipe
Kadai Paneer Recipe Here’s a detailed Kadai Paneer recipe—a delicious, flavorful North Indian dish made with paneer, bell peppers, and a special kadai masala.
Kadai Paneer Recipe
💠 Preparation Time: 15 minutes
💠 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
💠 Servings: 3-4
Ingredients
For Kadai Masala (Spice Blend)
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
For Gravy
- 200-250g paneer (cubed)
- 1 medium onion (sliced or cubed)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (capsicum, cubed)
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
- 1 green chili (slit or chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kadai Masala
- Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds in a pan on low heat for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Let them cool, then coarsely grind them into a powder using a mortar-pestle or grinder. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Paneer
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadai (wok) or pan.
- Add cubed onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft but still crunchy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil and lightly fry paneer cubes for 1-2 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same pan, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 4-5 minutes until oil starts separating.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and the freshly ground kadai masala. Stir well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the sautéed onions, capsicum, and paneer to the gravy. Mix well.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the dish.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix.
- If using, add butter and fresh cream for a richer taste.
Step 5: Final Touch
- Cook everything together for 2 minutes, ensuring paneer absorbs the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Serve Kadai Paneer with:
- Roti, naan, or paratha
- Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
Enjoy your restaurant-style Kadai Paneer at home! Let me know if you need any modifications! 😊