Kadai Paneer Curry
Recipe Summary
- This recipe demonstrates how to prepare a flavorful Kadai Paneer curry, featuring fried paneer and onions cooked in a rich, spicy tomato-onion gravy with capsicum. It's a popular Indian vegetarian dish perfect for a hearty meal.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Paneer 250 g, cubed
- Oil 3 tbsp
- Onions 1-2 medium, quartered (for frying)
- Onions 1 large, finely chopped or pureed
- Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp
- Dried Red Chilies 2-3
- Bay Leaf 1
- Tomato Puree 1 cup (from 2-3 tomatoes)
- Green Capsicum 1 medium, chopped into squares
- Fresh Cream or Yogurt 2 tbsp (for gravy), 1 tbsp (for garnish)
- Ginger 1 inch, julienned (for garnish)
- Green Chilies 1-2, slit (for garnish)
All Ingredients - Spices
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder 1 tsp
- Garam Masala 1 tsp
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Kadai
- Bowl
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Fry Paneer
Heat oil in a pan. Add cubed paneer and fry until light golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried paneer from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Fry Onions
In the same oil, add the quartered onions and fry until they are translucent and slightly browned. Remove the fried onions and set aside with the paneer.
Step 3: Prepare Gravy Base
To the remaining oil in the pan, add dried red chilies and a bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the finely chopped or pureed onions along with ginger-garlic paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion mixture turns golden brown and the raw smell disappears, approximately .
Step 4: Add Tomato Puree and Spices
Pour in the tomato puree and mix well. Cook for until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. Add turmeric powder and red chili powder. Mix thoroughly and cook for another .
Step 5: Incorporate Garam Masala and Capsicum
Add garam masala to the gravy and stir well. Then, add the chopped green capsicum. Cook for , allowing the capsicum to soften slightly but retain some crunch.
Step 6: Combine Paneer and Onions
Return the fried paneer and fried quartered onions to the pan with the gravy. Mix gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the sauce. Add salt to taste.
Step 7: Finish with Kasuri Methi and Cream
Sprinkle kasuri methi over the curry and mix. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or yogurt. Stir gently until well combined and heat through for .
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Kadai Paneer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional fresh cream or yogurt, ginger juliennes, and slit green chilies. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Pro Tips
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red chili powder and green chilies.
• For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
• Ensure paneer is fried until light golden for a slightly crispy texture, but don't overfry to prevent it from becoming hard.
Recipe Variations
• Add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for variety.
• Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
• For a smoky flavor, you can do a dhungar (charcoal smoke) at the end.
Similar RecipesYou might also like
Other recipes in the same cuisine, meal type, or style — ready to cook whenever you are.
Paneer-e-Khaas
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Shahi Sabz Handi with Ajwain Mirch Paratha
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Difficulty Level
Medium
Quick Weekday Sabzi Ideas with Phulka
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
1 hr 15 min
Difficulty Level
Easy
Crispy Dosa with Potato Curry and Chutneys
Cuisine
Indian · South Indian
Prep + Cook Time
3 hr 30 min
Difficulty Level
Medium
Restaurant Style Kadai Paneer
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Comments
Sign in to leave a comment on this recipe.
Loading comments...