Restaurant Style Kadai Paneer Recipe | Easy & Spicy North Indian Dish

    Kadai Paneer Recipe – Restaurant Style

Kadai Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes in Indian restaurants. Packed with bold spices, colorful bell peppers, and soft chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), this dish is known for its rich taste and aromatic flavors. Whether you serve it with roti, naan, or jeera rice, Kadai Paneer never fails to impress!

Here’s a simple and authentic restaurant-style recipe to make Kadai Paneer at home.

🧾 Ingredients

For Kadai Masala (roast & grind):

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 3-4 dry red chilies

For the curry:

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee

• 200g paneer (cubed)

• 1 large onion (sliced)

• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1/2 cup capsicum/bell pepper (green/red, diced)

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1/2 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional, for richness)

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

        🍳 How to Make Kadai Paneer

Step 1: Prepare the Kadai Masala

• Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dry red chilies for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

• Let them cool, then grind into a coarse powder. Keep aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Paneer (Optional)

• Lightly fry the paneer cubes in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Soak them in warm water to keep them soft.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

• Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan. Add sliced onions and sauté till golden brown.

• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté till raw

Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.

Step 4: Add Spices & Vegetables

• Add the freshly ground kadai masala and mix well.

• Toss in the bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Keep them slightly crunchy.

• Add the paneer cubes and gently mix to coat with the masala.

• Add a splash of water if the gravy is too thick. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Finishing Touch

• Stir in garam masala and fresh cream (if using).

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

              🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Kadai Paneer pairs beautifully with butter naan, tandoori roti, paratha, or even steamed rice. Add onion rings and lemon wedges for that perfect restaurant-style presentation.