KADAI PANEER (Cottage cheese chunks in aromatic tomato gravy)

Kadai paneer is an absolute Punjabi delicacy....the source of this superb recipe is Tarla dalal. I have been following this recipe for so many years, it is a huge success always!!!
Chunks of paneer, in a simple tomato-bell pepper gravy, sans onions, with a special aromatic masala....this is the secret of this recipe...
This dish goes with chapathis as well as pulavs or rice varieties, any kind of paratha etc.
For my other side dishes for rotis, please click here.
This dish derived its name since it is made in a kadai (broad pan) and also served in kadais.
Sometimes, there is a misconception that dishes without onions will not taste good, and will lack flavor....try out this aromatic dish....and you will be convinced.....
Check out my other roti varieties here and my rice varieties here
Please check my Paneer kathi rolls, Paneer-raw banana kababs,Palak- Paneer lifafa parathas
Cabbage-paneer parathas , Grilled paneer-fresh red bean sandwich , Easy Paneer butter masala and my Paneer parathas

Ingredients

Cubed paneer pieces - 4 cups

Ginger pieces - 3 tsps

Garlic pieces - 3 t

Tomatoes - 8

Bell pepper - 2

Coriander seeds - 3 tbsps

Red chillies - 6-8

Green chillies - 2

Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) - 4 tsps

Garam masala powder - 3 tsps

Brown sugar - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil and ghee - 4 tbsps

Coriander / cilantro leaves for garnishing

Recipe Cuisine: North Indian; Category: Lunch/ dinner

Prep time: 30 mts; Cooking time: 25 mts

Serves 6

Dry roast the red chillies and coriander seeds...and

make a coarse powder

Soak the paneer cubes in boiling hot water for 30 minutes

Heat oil and ghee in a kadai, add the green chillies along with ginger and garlic pieces. Saute well

Now add the bell pepper juliennes along with the special spicy, aromatic masala powder, we made out of coriander and red chillies

Keep the flames on the lowest, saute well, till the bell peppers become  cooked to a crunchy texture, and also take in the aroma of the special spice

Now add the finely chopped tomatoes, well crushed kasuri methi, sugar and salt

Add garam masala powder, keep on sauteeing till tomatoes become mushy

Add some water, and allow to simmer for a little while

Perfectly done!

Now, add the paneer pieces, allow to simmer well, let the soft paneer pieces take in all the special aromas of the gravy

Switch off and garnish with coriander leaves

Serve this superb Kadai paneer with soft phulkas

This post first appeared in www.malpatskitchen.com

Notes

* Check the taste, if need be, add some dhania powder (coriander powder). I had to add some.

*This is an ideal companion for jeera rice too. (recipe to follow)

Categories: Paneer dishes, Side dishes for rotis & poories