🍛 Kadai Paneer | Restaurant-Style Aromatic Paneer Curry

💝 “Love at First Bite - Guaranteed!”

A delicious and aromatic paneer dish that’s perfect for lunch boxes and family meals. This simple method delivers restaurant-quality taste at home!

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⏱️ Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serves: 4 people

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🥄 Ingredients

For Marinating Paneer:

• 250g paneer, cut into cubes
• Salt, to taste
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Base Gravy:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves
• 10 black peppercorns
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 cashew nuts (optional, for creamier texture)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

For Vegetables:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large capsicum, chopped

For Final Cooking:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) (optional)

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👨‍🍳 Method

Step 1: Marinate the Paneer

• Cut paneer into medium cubes.
• Add salt, red chili powder, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat evenly.
• Set aside for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Gravy

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a kadai or heavy pan.
• Add cloves and peppercorns; let them crackle.
• Add chopped onions and fry until light brown.
• Add cashew nuts (optional).
• Add ginger-garlic paste; saute until raw smell disappears.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
• Let the mixture cool; then grind to a smooth paste.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same pan on high heat.
• Add chopped onions; toss for 1 minute (keep crunchy).
• Add chopped capsicum; toss for another minute.
• Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Final Cooking

• Heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter in the kadai.
• Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and red chili powder.
• Add prepared tomato-onion paste; mix well.
• Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder.
• Add asafoetida and salt.
• Cover and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Stir once, cover again and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

• Add marinated paneer, fried onions, and capsicum.
• Mix gently and cover; cook for 1 minute.
• Add kasoori methi (if using), crush between palms, and mix well.
• Turn off heat and cover for 2 minutes to let flavors meld.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
• Perfect accompaniment for roti, naan, or paratha.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a dollop of butter.
• Serve with lemon wedges and sliced onions on the side.

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💡Tips

• Make-ahead friendly: Great for morning prep and lunch boxes.
• Store refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.
• Keep vegetables slightly crunchy for best texture.
• Kasoori methi adds authentic restaurant flavor—don’t skip!
• Oil + butter combo gives rich, restaurant-style taste.
• The covered 5-minute cooking step is crucial for flavor and oil separation.

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🌟 Health Benefits

• Heart Healthy: Spices like turmeric and ginger support cardiovascular health.
• High Protein: Paneer provides complete protein for muscle repair.

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Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Kadai Paneer that brings restaurant taste right to your home kitchen—perfect for special occasions or everyday meals!

Video Tutorial