Kadhai Paneer
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb paneer
- 1 medium red bell pepper shimla mirch, capsicum
- 1 medium green bell pepper shimla mirch, capsicum1
- 3 tbsp oil
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 inch ginger
- 1 green chili
- 1/8 tsp asafetide hing
- 1 tsp cumin seeds jeera
- 1-1/2 tbsp coriander powder dhania
- 1/2 tsp turmeric haldi
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fenugreek leaves methi
- 3/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cut paneer and bell peppers into ½ inch cubes.
- Blend the tomatoes, ginger, and green chili to make a puree.
- Heat the oil in frying pan on medium heat and stir fry paneer for about 2 minutes – take them out before paneer starts changing color.
- Next stir-fry bell pepper until they are tender. Do not over cook the bell pepper. Take them out and drain on a paper towel.
- Using the same frying pan, Test the oil by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready. Add the asafetida and cumin seeds.
- After the cumin seeds crack, add the tomato puree, coriander powder, turmeric, fenugreek leaves and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat.
- Tomato mixture will reduce to about half in volume. Add about 2 spoons of water, and the salt.
- Wait till gravy comes to boil add paneer and bell pepper and let it simmer for about five minutes on low medium heat. Now it is ready to serve.
Notes
How To Make Kadhai Paneer – Manjula’s Kitchen
Kadhai Paneer stands as a delightful and gluten-free culinary masterpiece, presenting a luscious and creamy gravy that not only indulges the taste buds but also earns the favor of kids, making it an excellent choice for family meals. Kadai Paneer is indeed a versatile dish that brings joy to the table, offering a delightful culinary experience for all as a party recipe.
1. Preparing Kadhai Paneer:
To embark on the culinary journey of crafting Kadai Paneer, start by cutting paneer and bell peppers into uniform ½ inch cubes. This meticulous preparation ensures a symphony of textures in every bite, with the paneer and bell peppers contributing to the dish’s delightful balance. The precise cubing sets the stage for the essence of the Kadhai Paneer recipe.
2. Creating the Flavorful Base:
In the next step of the Kadai Paneer recipe, blend tomatoes, ginger, and green chili to perfection, forming a vibrant and aromatic puree. This puree serves as the foundation for the rich and flavorful gravy that will envelop the paneer and bell peppers, creating a harmonious blend of spices and freshness.
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Sautéing Paneer to Perfection:
As the journey continues, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir-fry the paneer for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring they are taken out just before the paneer undergoes any noticeable color change. This swift yet precise stir-frying imparts a delectable texture to the paneer cubes, setting the tone for the forthcoming Kadhai Paneer’s culinary symphony.
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Tenderizing Bell Peppers:
Following the sautéing of paneer, shift focus to the bell peppers. Stir-fry them in the same pan until they achieve a tender texture. It is crucial not to overcook the bell peppers, preserving their vibrant color and crispness. Once done, drain them on a paper towel, ensuring they retain their natural freshness and contribute a delightful crunch to the Kadhai Paneer.
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Infusing Flavors into the Kadhai:
Returning to the same frying pan, it’s time to infuse the Kadhai Paneer with a burst of flavors. Test the oil by adding a cumin seed; if it crackles immediately, the oil is ready. Introduce asafetida and cumin seeds, allowing their aromatic essence to fill the air. This marks the beginning of the dish’s flavorful transformation.
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Crafting the Kadhai Paneer Gravy:
Once the cumin seeds crack, add the previously prepared tomato puree, along with coriander powder, turmeric, fenugreek leaves, and cayenne pepper. Allow this aromatic medley to cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat, witnessing the reduction of the tomato mixture to about half its volume. This stage is critical for developing the rich and well-balanced flavors of the Kadhai Paneer.
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Achieving the Perfect Consistency:
To achieve the desired consistency, add about 2 spoons of water and salt to the simmering gravy. As the mixture comes to a boil, reintroduce the stir-fried paneer and bell peppers, letting them simmer for approximately five more minutes on low-medium heat. This step allows the flavors to meld, creating a delectable union of textures and tastes in the final presentation of Kadai Paneer.
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Savoring the Kadhai Paneer Creation:
With the simmering complete, Kadhai Paneer is now ready to grace the dining table. The result is a tantalizing amalgamation of well-cooked paneer, tender bell peppers, and a flavorsome gravy. Serve this culinary delight hot, savoring the symphony of spices and textures that characterize the perfect Kadhai Paneer dish.
If you liked this Recipe you must also try Paneer Pakora, Moong Dal With Spinach, Besan Cheela, Masala Bell Pepper Curry, and Papad ki Sabji.
