Restaurant-Style Kadai Paneer

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Tripti Bhalotia (@triptibhalotia)

This recipe for Kadai Paneer is a delightful way to enjoy a restaurant-style dish at home. The rich and flavorful gravy combined with sautéed vegetables and paneer creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. It's a dish that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine to your table. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate the magic of Kadai Paneer in your own kitchen.

Restaurant-Style Kadai Paneer recipe

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Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For the gravy

  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • butter
    butter
    1tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • bay leaf bay leaf
    bay leaf bay leaf
    1
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
    2
  • chopped garlic
    chopped garlic
    1tbsp
  • chopped ginger
    chopped ginger
    1tbsp
  • chopped green chillies
    chopped green chillies
    3
  • chopped tomatoes
    chopped tomatoes
    2
  • tomato purée
    tomato purée
    2
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste
    1
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • roasted cumin powder
    roasted cumin powder
    1/2tsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tsp

For special masala

  • black pepper corn
    black pepper corn
    1/2tsp
  • cardamom
    cardamom
    4
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1tbsp
  • dry red chilli
    dry red chilli
    3

For sautéed vegetables and paneer

  • ghee
    ghee
    1tbsp
  • onion petals
    onion petals
    1
  • capsicum (diced)
    capsicum (diced)
    1
  • tomato (diced)
    tomato (diced)
    1
  • paneer (cubed)
    paneer (cubed)
    1
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste
    1
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • prepared spice mix
    prepared spice mix
    1/2tsp

For finishing

  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1/2tsp
  • roasted kasuri methi
    roasted kasuri methi
    1tsp
  • cream
    cream
    2tbsp
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
    1

How to make Restaurant-Style Kadai Paneer

Prepare the gravy

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil and butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, followed by chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt, and tomato purée. Cook until the mixture becomes soft and well combined.

  3. Step 3

    Coarsely grind black peppercorns, cardamom, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and dry red chilies in a mixer jar to prepare the special masala.

  4. Step 4

    Add Kashmiri red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, coriander powder, prepared spice mix, and water to the gravy. Mix well and cook thoroughly.

Sauté vegetables and paneer

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee in another pan. Add onion petals, diced capsicum, diced tomato, paneer cubes, salt, turmeric powder, and a small amount of the prepared spice mix.

  2. Step 2

    Sauté the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly cooked and aromatic.

Combine and finish

  1. Step 1

    Add the sautéed vegetables and paneer to the prepared gravy. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Finish by adding garam masala, roasted kasuri methi, cream, and chopped coriander leaves. Stir well and serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

94.4kcal (4.72%)

Protein

0.7g (1.4%)

Carbs

1.6g (0.56%)

Sugars

0.1g (0.14%)

Healthy Fat

4.6g

Unhealthy Fat

5.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use fresh paneer for the best texture and taste.

  2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

  3. Roast the kasuri methi before adding it to enhance its flavor.

  4. Serve with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

FAQS

  1. Can I use store-bought paneer?

    Yes, store-bought paneer works well, but fresh homemade paneer will give a better texture and taste.

  2. Can I skip the cream?

    Yes, you can skip the cream or replace it with yogurt for a healthier option.

  3. What can I serve with Kadai Paneer?

    Kadai Paneer pairs well with naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

  4. Can I make this dish vegan?

    Yes, you can replace paneer with tofu and use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of dairy-based ingredients.

  5. How can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

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Tripti Bhalotia

(@triptibhalotia)

Welcome to my Chefadora Page — where flavors meet comfort! I’m Tripti, your culinary guide sharing simple, soulful recipes from savory bites to sweet indulgences.

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