A Flavorful Indian Dish
Kadai paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with paneer cheese cooked in a spicy tomato-onion gravy. The word “kadai” refers to the deep, round-bottomed wok-like vessel used traditionally to cook this dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup paneer cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Paneer: Cut the paneer into cubes and marinate them in a mixture of turmeric powder and salt for 10-15 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a kadai or wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and break down. You can also add a little water to help them cook faster.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Paneer: Add the marinated paneer cubes to the gravy and gently toss to coat.
- Simmer and Serve: Simmer the dish for a few minutes until the paneer is cooked and the flavors have blended. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
Tips:
- For a creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cashew paste.
- To make the dish spicier, add more red chili powder or a few chopped green chilies.
- For a more authentic flavor, use a traditional kadai or wok.
Enjoy your homemade kadai paneer!
