Teresa's Recipes
Kadhai Paneer
Kadhai Paneer is a vibrant and aromatic dish that embodies the essence of Indian cuisine. This delightful recipe showcases paneer, a fresh Indian cottage cheese, stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and an array of spices that dance on your palate. Traditionally prepared in a 'kadhai' (wok), this dish is a celebration of Punjabi culinary traditions, reflecting the agricultural richness of the region. The warmth of garam masala, the earthy notes of turmeric, and the heat from green chilies are balanced beautifully, making Kadhai Paneer a beloved favorite for both daily meals and festive gatherings. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy roti to soak up the delicious sauce, and let this dish transport you to the bustling streets of Punjab.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon, crushed Coriander seeds
- 1-inch piece, grated Fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, slit lengthwise Green chili
- 1 large, sliced Onion
- 2 medium, chopped Tomato
- 1 large, sliced (any color) Capsicum (bell pepper)
- 250 grams, cubed Paneer
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 tablespoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- for garnish Fresh coriander leaves
- to taste Salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a kadhai (or deep pan) over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and crushed coriander seeds. Sauté for about a minute until they become fragrant.
- Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chili. Sauté for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the sliced onion and cook until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Introduce the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn mushy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well, ensuring the spices coat the onion and tomato mixture evenly.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Gently fold in the cubed paneer, ensuring it gets well-coated with the spice mixture.
- Cover the kadhai and reduce the heat to low, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish, stirring gently.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or fewer green chilies based on your preference.