Easy Kadai Paneer Recipe | 20 Minutes Kadai Paneer

Kadai Paneer is indeed the most popular and most ordered vegetarian sidedish in Indian Restaurant. The recipe for Kadai Paneer requires very few steps and is easy, roasting and grinding of whole dry spices, chopping of veggies, cooking gravy, simmering veggies and Paneer in the gravy, and garnishing. That’s it.

Still, there are days when you (this is SO ME!) do not even have time for roasting and grinding of spices. Comparatively, with Restaurant Style Karahi Paneer this recipe is less time taking as there is no roasting and grinding of whole spices is required. And I have added curd and tandoori masala to enhance the taste of this curry and gave it a smoky flavor with dungar technique where a piece of live charcoal with ghee is placed in the pot to give a smoky flavor to the curry. Although this step is not necessary but I would suggest you do not skip this and enjoy this rustic Karahi Paneer.

We thoroughly enjoy this delicious Kadai Paneer with rice for lunch, so I prefer making it with gravy. Adjust the consistency as per your liking and make it dry if you are serving this with Naan, or Roti or Paratha. Serve some pickled onion rings on the side to complete the meal. Do try this easy-peasy Kadai Paneer recipe and share your valuable feedback with me. ❤

Do try these other Paneer recipes- How to make Paneer at home, Restaurant Style Kadai Paneer, Kasuri Methi Paneer, Paneer Lahori, Dhaba Style Paneer Curry, Paneer Damdaar
Serves 4
Ingredients:

250 Gms Paneer, cut into cubes
1/3 Cup red capsicum, cut into cubes
1/3 Cup yellow or green capsicum, cubes
1 Cup onion, finely chopped
½ Cup tomato, chopped
3 Garlic cloves, finely chopped or sliced
½ inch ginger, Julians
¼ Cup thick curd
1 Bay leaf
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Whole dry red chilies
1 Black cardamom
1 Tsp coriander seeds
1 Tsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp red chili powder or as desired
½ Tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
½ Tsp turmeric powder
1 Tsp garam masala
1 ½ Tsp tandoori masala
1 ½ Tsp Kasuri methi
Salt as required
2 Tbsp oil

For Dungar

1 Charcoal piece
1 Tsp ghee

Learn Step By Step Recipe With Pictures For Easy Kadai Paneer Recipe | 20 Minutes Karahi Paneer
Recipe:
Step 1- Heat oil in a pot, and add all the whole dry spices. When the spices are aromatic add the chopped ginger-garlic and saute for 30secs

Step 2- Add the chopped onion and cook until they are soft and translucent and then add the tomato, sprinkle some salt and cook until they are mushy

Step 3- Turn the flame to medium-high and add red chili powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, tandoori masala, turmeric powder, curd, and required salt. Keep stirring with a spatula to avoid burn at the bottom of the pot and cook for 2mins

Step 4- Add the cubed veggies and cook on high flame for a min and then add 1cup of warm water. Adding warm water always enhances the taste and flavor of the curry. Turn the flame to medium-low and let it simmer for 1min. Do not overcook otherwise then veggies will lose their crunchiness

Step 5- Add the paneer and let it simmer for 4-5mins on medium-low flame or until you get the desired consistency of the gravy. Sprinkle Kasuri methi and turn off the flame.

Step 6- Place a piece of live charcoal in a steel bowl and add a tsp of ghee. Immediately cover the lid of the pot and allow the smoke to infuse with Karahi Paneer for 6-8mins. This will give a nice smoky flavor to the Karahi Paneer. Serve warm with steamed rice or roti