Kadai Paneer Recipe – Spicy & Flavorful Restaurant-Style Curry
Paneer lovers, rejoice! One of the most popular dishes in Indian restaurants is none other than Kadai Paneer – a spicy, tangy, and flavorful curry cooked with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), capsicum, onions, and a unique freshly ground spice mix called kadai masala.
Served with naan, roti, or jeera rice, this curry never fails to impress. The best part? You can recreate the authentic restaurant-style kadai paneer at home with simple ingredients.
🌶 What is Kadai Paneer?
The word kadai refers to a thick, deep cooking pan (similar to a wok) traditionally used in Indian kitchens. Kadai Paneer is a dish where paneer cubes and capsicum are tossed in a freshly made masala and cooked in a rich onion-tomato gravy.
The highlight of this dish is the aromatic kadai masala, made from roasted spices like coriander seeds, red chilies, and black pepper.
🧀 Ingredients for Kadai Paneer
For the Kadai Masala:
Coriander seeds – 2 tbsp
Dry red chilies – 3–4
Black peppercorns – ½ tsp
Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
Fennel seeds – ½ tsp
For the Curry:
Paneer – 250 g (cut into cubes)
Onion – 2 medium (1 finely chopped, 1 cubed)
Tomato – 2 medium (pureed)
Capsicum – 1 medium (cubed)
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala – ½ tsp
Kasuri methi – 1 tsp (crushed)
Fresh cream – 2 tbsp (optional, for richness)
Salt – as per taste
Oil or ghee – 3 tbsp
Fresh coriander – for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kadai Masala
Dry roast coriander seeds, dry red chilies, cumin, fennel, and black pepper until fragrant. Cool and grind into a coarse powder. This is your kadai masala.
Step 2: Cook the Base
Heat oil in a kadai. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Then add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
Step 3: Add the Masala & Veggies
Mix in 2 tsp of kadai masala. Toss in cubed onions and capsicum, sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Paneer
Add paneer cubes and gently mix with the masala. Adjust consistency with little water if required. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Add a spoonful of cream for richness (optional). Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
🌿 Pro Tips for Authentic Taste
Use fresh homemade paneer for best results.
Always prepare kadai masala fresh – it’s the soul of this dish.
Don’t overcook capsicum; it should remain slightly crunchy.
For a dhaba-style flavor, add a little butter while finishing the curry.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Best enjoyed with butter naan, roti, or lachha paratha.
Pairs beautifully with jeera rice or peas pulao.
Serve with onion rings and lemon wedges for a complete restaurant feel.
