Naming of Indian recipe could be very interesting . This is not only based upon its main constituents as well as method but sometimes it’s depending on utensils used to make that dish too . Here kadai paneer term originated from Indian cooking pot ‘kadai’ . ? It’s a hot and spicy tasty paneer dish as well as people enjoy it with roti , paratha and naan . Usually people today allow it to be dry but many people prefer it with shiny and creamy gravy as well . This unique kadai paneer recipe could solve their problem and you can enjoy this with jeera rice , pulao and also plain rice too .
Paneer is always favourite meal for vegetarian people today but non vegetarian people also enjoy it so much . It’s when color , softness and lovely taste gives it a unique characteristics , to be able to add vegetables as well as spices with it thereby making a lot of tasty dishes ( paneer masala , shahi paneer , paneer bhurji , paneer pasanda many more .
Ingredients:
- Paneer – 200 gm (cut into small cubes)
- Onion – 2 medium sized
- Tomatoes – 2 large sized (puree)
- Ginger garlic paste – 2 tsp
- Peanuts – 15-20 pieces
- Cashew nuts – 5-6 pieces
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder -1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
- Kasauri methi – 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Salt – according to taste
- Coriander leaves – for garnish
Method:
- Heat a kadai (Indian cooking pot) and roast peanuts and cashew nuts and use a dry grinder to grind that
- Add oil into kadai & heat, now add onion and still well and add salt according to taste
- When onion-color turns to brown then add ginger garlic paste and cashew nuts & peanuts paste
- Now add coriander powder, red chili powder & turmeric powder and cook all spices
- By that time you should prepare tomato puree and add it to the masala
- Add paneer cubes into the masala or thick gravy, you can add water if needed
- Cover the kadai and cook for 3 minutes more in low flame, now add ghee, kasuri methi & garam masala
- Add water according to required gravy and cook for 3-5 minutes more
- Add coriander leaves & finely sliced ginger pieces (optional) and switch off the oven
- Serve hot
Additional tips:
You should use ripe tomatoes, otherwise taste will not be good. Fresh cream can be added too. If you are using fresh cream, then you can avoid peanuts & cashew nuts to add. Add water according to gravy required as too much gravy can spoil the actual taste of kadai paneer.