Dhaba Style Kadhai Paneer Recipe
Equipment
- 1 x wok
- 1 x Grinder
- 1 x Bowl
- 1 x spatula
Ingredients
For the Kadhai Paneer Masala:
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4-5 dried red chillies
- 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves Kasuri methi
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 black cardamom pod
- 4 cloves
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
For the Kadhai Paneer Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 200 grams paneer cut into cubes
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 large tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 capsicum bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Kadhai Paneer Masala
- Heat a dry wok or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
- Dry roast the spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove the spices from the skillet and let them cool down.
- Once cooled, transfer the roasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Grind the spices into a fine powder. This is your Kadhai Paneer masala. Set it aside for later use.
Prepare the Kadhai Paneer Recipe:
- Heat ghee or oil in a kadhai or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the paneer cubes and fry them until golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried paneer cubes from the kadai and set them aside.
- In the same kadhai, add chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Now, add thinly sliced capsicum (bell pepper) to the kadai and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and the freshly ground Kadhai Paneer masala. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until the spices are aromatic and well incorporated.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Pour in a little water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Allow the gravy to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Finally, add the fried paneer cubes to the kadhai and mix gently to coat them with the gravy.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the Kadhai Paneer and mix well.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Video
History of Kadhai Paneer
Kadhai Paneer traces its origins to the bustling kitchens of North India, where traditional cooking techniques and aromatic spices have been celebrated for centuries. The dish takes its name from the ‘kadhai,’ a traditional Indian wok or skillet used for cooking. Historically, the kadhai was a staple utensil in Indian households, known for its ability to evenly distribute heat and impart a distinct flavour to dishes.
The history of Kadhai Paneer recipe is intertwined with the culinary heritage of the Punjab region, renowned for its hearty and flavorful cuisine. Paneer, a fresh cheese made by curdling milk, has been a staple ingredient in North Indian cooking for centuries. Kadhai Paneer emerged as a delicious way to showcase the versatility of paneer, marrying it with a medley of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables.
At the heart of Kadhai Paneer recipe lies its distinct spice blend, typically featuring coriander seeds, cumin, dried red chilies, and garam masala. These spices are dry-roasted and ground to perfection, infusing the dish with layers of complexity and warmth. The kadhai itself plays a pivotal role, providing the perfect vessel for the ingredients to mingle and develop their flavors.
The preparation of Kadhai Paneer recipe begins with frying cubes of paneer until golden brown, imparting a deliciously crisp texture to the dish. Onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green chilies are then sautéed in the same kadhai, creating a colorful base that forms the backbone of the dish. This mixture is elevated with a generous helping of ginger-garlic paste, adding depth and aroma.
Next comes the star of the show: the spice blend. Carefully measured and added to the kadhai, the spices dance together, releasing their fragrance and infusing the vegetables with their essence. A splash of tomato puree lends a tangy sweetness to the dish, balancing the robust flavors of the spices.
Once the spices have melded with the vegetables, the golden cubes of paneer are reintroduced to the kadhai, gently folded into the mixture to absorb the flavors. A sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) adds a final touch, imparting a subtle bitterness that harmonizes with the richness of the dish.
Kadhai Paneer isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, punctuated by the creamy white of the paneer, create a visually stunning dish that’s as enticing as it is delicious.
Served hot with naan bread or steamed rice, Kadhai Paneer Recipe is a culinary journey through the flavors of North India. Whether enjoyed at home or savored in a restaurant, this iconic dish never fails to delight, making it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With its bold flavors and aromatic spices, Kadhai Paneer Recipe is a true celebration of Indian cuisine.
Why Kadhai Paneer recipe is famous?
Kadhai Paneer has earned its fame through its irresistible combination of textures and flavours. The dish features succulent cubes of paneer, cooked with colourful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The use of the kadhai imparts a smoky flavour and enhances the dish’s visual appeal, making it a feast for the senses.
What sets Kadhai Paneer recipe apart is its bold and robust flavour profile. The dish is characterized by its rich tomato-based gravy, infused with the warmth of roasted spices like cumin, coriander, and dried red chillies. The addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and green chillies adds a zesty kick, while the vibrant colours of the bell peppers elevate the dish’s visual appeal.
Kadhai Paneer recipe has garnered popularity not only for its delectable taste but also for its versatility. Whether served as a main course with roti or naan or as a side dish with rice, it never fails to impress. Its ability to please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike has made it a favourite choice in Indian restaurants and households worldwide.
Where Kadhai paneer Recipe is famous?
Kadhai Paneer Recipe holds a special place in the culinary landscape of North India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It is a staple dish in the menu of traditional Punjabi restaurants, where it is often prepared fresh in front of diners in large iron kadhai utensils, adding to the theatricality of the dining experience.
This beloved dish is also a popular choice in Indian households, where it is prepared for special occasions and family gatherings. It’s vibrant colours and aromatic flavours make it a centerpiece of festive feasts and celebratory meals.
In addition to its popularity in North India, Kadhai Paneer recipe has found admirers across the country and beyond. It is a featured item in Indian restaurants worldwide, where it is often served alongside other North Indian delicacies like dal makhani, naan bread, and biryanis.
Best Kadhai Paneer Recipe
Looking for the ultimate Kadai Paneer recipe experience? Dive into our curated list of the best Kadhai Paneer recipe, tried and tested to perfection. From creamy gravies to tantalizing spice blends, these recipes promise to elevate your culinary journey and leave you craving for more. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.
Dhaba-style Kadai Paneer Recipe
Experience the rustic charm of Dhaba-style Kadai Paneer Recipe with our special recipe. Inspired by the roadside eateries of North India, this version of Kadai Paneer Recipe boasts bold flavours and hearty ingredients that will transport you to the bustling streets of Punjab. Get ready to savour the authentic taste of Kadai Paneer Recipe, just like it’s served on the highways of India.
