Delicious Kadhai Paneer Masala Recipe
Indian cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, and Kadhai Paneer Masala is no exception. This delightful vegetarian dish is a favorite among many, featuring succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and aromatic tomato-based gravy, infused with an array of aromatic spices. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add a meatless dish to your meal plan, Kadhai Paneer Masala is a must-try. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious dish for four people, all while keeping it simple and budget-friendly.
Origin:
Kadhai Paneer Masala is a popular North Indian dish, hailing from the state of Punjab. This cuisine is known for its bold and robust flavors, and Kadhai Paneer is a testament to that. The name “Kadhai” refers to the wok-like pan (kadhai) used for cooking this dish. It’s a perfect example of the flavorful and hearty meals that North Indian cuisine is famous for.
Ingredients:
To make Kadhai Paneer Masala for four people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the paneer and marination:
- 250g paneer (cottage cheese), cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
For the Kadhai Paneer gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Process:
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Kadhai Paneer Masala:
- Marinate the Paneer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paneer cubes with yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and a pinch of salt.
- Ensure that the paneer is well coated with the marinade, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the Paneer:
- Heat a non-stick pan or kadhai and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes and sauté them until they turn light golden brown.
- Remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Spice It Up:
- Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan.
- Stir well and cook for a minute to let the spices blend.
- Add Tomatoes and Bell Peppers:
- Toss in the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers (capsicum).
- Simmer and Season:
- Cover the pan and let the bell peppers cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly crunchy.
- Add salt to taste and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Crush the leaves between your palms before adding them to enhance the flavor.
- Stir everything well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Combine Paneer and Gravy:
- Gently add the sautéed paneer back into the pan.
- Stir carefully to coat the paneer with the flavorful gravy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish off your Kadhai Paneer Masala with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves.
- Your delicious, aromatic, and budget-friendly Kadhai Paneer is ready to serve!
Serving:
Kadhai Paneer Masala is best enjoyed hot, served with freshly made roti, naan, or steamed rice. You can also pair it with a side of cucumber and onion salad for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.
Tips for Cooking:
To make your Kadhai Paneer Masala preparation even more convenient and budget-friendly, consider the following tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh paneer and vegetables will elevate the taste of your dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red chili powder. For an extra kick, add a chopped green chili or two.
- Cash-Saving Options: You can substitute homemade yogurt for store-bought yogurt, and use common vegetable oil for cooking to keep costs low.
- Control Bell Pepper Amount: Adjust the number of bell peppers based on your preference and availability. You can also choose only one color if that’s what you have on hand.
Variation:
Kadhai Paneer Masala is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some variations to consider:
- Creamy Kadhai Paneer: To make the dish creamier, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste during the final stages of cooking.
- Paneer Tikka Kadhai: Marinate the paneer in a mixture of yogurt, red chili powder, and tandoori masala, and then grill or roast the paneer before adding it to the gravy.
- Mushroom Kadhai: Replace paneer with mushrooms or combine both for a delightful variation.
- Vegetable Kadhai: You can create a mixed vegetable kadhai by adding various vegetables like carrots, peas, and broccoli.
Utensils List:
For this simple and budget-friendly recipe, you’ll need the following utensils:
- Non-stick pan or kadhai
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Chopping board and knife
Conclusion:
Kadhai Paneer Masala is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe offers an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of North Indian cuisine. With a handful of readily available ingredients and simple steps, you can treat your family or guests to a delightful meal that’s sure to become a favorite. So, get into your kitchen, and start cooking up this delicious Kadhai Paneer Masala for a hearty and fulfilling meal. Enjoy!
