Few days ago, a neighbour shared a pic of kadhai paneer made by her mom in law. Something about that photo screamed delicious. We all hounded her for the recipe. In a couple of days, she sent us a detailed recipe in the WhatsApp group. #lockdown cooking 
I have been prepping for it this morning. If there’s enough interest, I’ll share the step by step recipe with photos. This promises to be incredibly tasty ❤️
PREP:
Cube+marinate 200 g paneer in 1/2 tsp red chilli powder + pinch of salt for 15 mins.
Cut 1 small capsicum into squares. Prep 1 small onion by cutting into quarters and peeling off the layers.
STEP 01- Heat 1 tbsp butter+1 tbsp oil. Fry marinated paneer for a bit. Drain.
Cube+marinate 200 g paneer in 1/2 tsp red chilli powder + pinch of salt for 15 mins.
Cut 1 small capsicum into squares. Prep 1 small onion by cutting into quarters and peeling off the layers.
STEP 01- Heat 1 tbsp butter+1 tbsp oil. Fry marinated paneer for a bit. Drain.
STEP 02- in same pan in remaining oil/butter, fry the diced capsicum and onion slices for 1-2 mins leaving them crunchy. Drain and keep aside.
STEP 03
In same oil, add whole spices (1 bay leaf, 1-2 cinnamon pieces, 2 green cardamom, 3 cloves) fry until aromatic.
Add thinly sliced onions (2 small) + sliced tomatoes (2 small) + 1/2 tsp salt and fry on high flame for 1-2 mins.
In same oil, add whole spices (1 bay leaf, 1-2 cinnamon pieces, 2 green cardamom, 3 cloves) fry until aromatic.
Add thinly sliced onions (2 small) + sliced tomatoes (2 small) + 1/2 tsp salt and fry on high flame for 1-2 mins.
STEP 04
Add 2 tsp ginger garlic paste to the onion tomato mix and sauté for 5-7 mins. Cover and cook for another 5 mins until veggies are soft. Let this cool so you can safely grind it in the mixer.
Add 2 tsp ginger garlic paste to the onion tomato mix and sauté for 5-7 mins. Cover and cook for another 5 mins until veggies are soft. Let this cool so you can safely grind it in the mixer.
STEP 05
Add some water and grind to a fine paste.
Add some water and grind to a fine paste.
STEP 06
Now comes the fun part of bringing everything together. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan. Fry 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder in ghee for a few seconds.
Now comes the fun part of bringing everything together. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan. Fry 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder in ghee for a few seconds.
STEP 07
Add the prepared paste to this. I also added a spoon of my homemade toasted tomato paste for added flavour (not in the original recipe)
Add the prepared paste to this. I also added a spoon of my homemade toasted tomato paste for added flavour (not in the original recipe)
STEP 08
Add 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, stir it in and let it simmer
Add 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, stir it in and let it simmer
STEP 09
Remember the crunchy capsicum and onion layers we kept aside? Now is the time to add it to the gravy. Let this simmer for 2 mins.
Remember the crunchy capsicum and onion layers we kept aside? Now is the time to add it to the gravy. Let this simmer for 2 mins.
STEP 10
Time to add the paneer cubes into the curry. Add 1/4 -1/2 cup hot water and bring to a simmer (~2-3 mins)
Time to add the paneer cubes into the curry. Add 1/4 -1/2 cup hot water and bring to a simmer (~2-3 mins)
STEP 11
Final flavour boost which is mandatory
2 tsp kasoori methi crushed well and added to the pan
Final flavour boost which is mandatory
2 tsp kasoori methi crushed well and added to the pan
And Kadhai Paneer is ready!
Same curry base, add anything else like-
~potatoes+ peas
~Cooked soya chunks
~mixed veg like peas, carrot, cauliflower
~chicken
Same curry base, add anything else like-
~potatoes+ peas
~Cooked soya chunks
~mixed veg like peas, carrot, cauliflower
~chicken
