Paneer Kadai: A Flavorful Twist in Every Bite

Introduction: 

Paneer Kadai is a delectable Indian dish that brings together succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with a medley of aromatic spices and bell peppers, all cooked in a traditional kadai (wok). This dish not only captivates the senses with its rich flavors but also provides a delightful visual appeal. In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing Paneer Kadai, allowing you to recreate the magic of this classic recipe in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients:

For the Paneer Marinade:

250g paneer, cubed

1 cup yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

For the Kadai Masala:

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

2-3 green cardamom pods

2 cloves

1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to spice preference)

For the Kadai Gravy:

2 tablespoons oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, pureed

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Marinating the Paneer:

In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

Add paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Kadai Masala:

Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cloves, and dried red chilies in a pan until fragrant.

Allow the roasted spices to cool, then grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Cooking the Kadai Gravy:

Heat oil in a kadai or wok over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well.

Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.

Combining Paneer with Kadai Gravy:

Add the marinated paneer to the kadai gravy, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.

Sprinkle the freshly ground kadai masala over the paneer and stir gently.

Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Paneer Kadai is a celebration of flavors, showcasing the aromatic essence of freshly ground spices and the creamy texture of paneer. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and experience the joy of savoring an authentic Indian dish in the comfort of your home.