Kadai Paneer

Ingredients:

• Paneer - 1 cup cubed
• Capsicum - 1 cubed (I used half green and half red)
• Tomatoes - 2 tbsp cubed
• Onion - 1 chopped finely
• Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Garam masala powder - 1 tsp
• Dhania powder - 1/2 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) - 1 tsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Green chillies - 1 chopped
• Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp chopped
• Salt - to taste

For grinding:

• Tomatoes - 2
• Coriander seeds - 1.5 tsp
• Red Chillies - 1

Dry roasted coriander seeds and red chillies can be coarsely powdered sepeartely and added too. But I find it easy to combine with tomatoes and grind, either way no big difference in taste.

Method:

1. Dry roast coriander seeds and red chillies seperately and grind it with tomato to a fine paste.

2. Heat half a tsp of oil, add cubed paneer and toast it until it turns golden brown. Transfer the toasted paneer to hot water for 5mins, drain and keep aside(this is to retain the softness of the paneer). Heat remaining oil in a pan, add green chillies and ginger garlic paste saute for a minute.

3.Then add onions, tomato cubes and saute till raw smell leaves and onions turn slightly browned. Then add the tomato puree(with coriander seeds and red chillies grinded). Add chilli powder, garam masala powder and dhania powder, give a quick stir.Add required salt.

4.Add kasoori methi , Next add the capsicum and saute till its cooked but retain its crunchiness dont let it become very soft. Add 1/4 cup water and allow it to boil and thicken.

5.Once it reaches semi gravy consistency, add the paneer cubes mix well. Add chopped coriander leaves, give s quick stir and switch off.

My Notes:

• Kadai paneer can be made gravy kind too by adding 2 more tomatoes and switching off when the gravy consistency is reached.
• After toasting the paneer, transfer to hot water and take it out within 5mins and drain it else the paneer would become rubbery.
• Dont skip the kasoori methi as it gives a nice and unique flavour to the gravy.
• Freshly ground coriander seeds gives a nice flavour to the curry.

This can be served with rotis or mild pulaos. We had it with kuska biriyani and enjoyed the meal. The highlight of kadai paneer is freshly ground coriander powder with the flavour of capsicum an kasoori methi - Spicy, flavourul and yum.