Kadhai Paneer – A gujju favorite!

For the Kadhai Paste

INGREDIENTS7 tbs Coriander seeds
10 Dried Red chillies
3 tbs Garlic Paste
¼ cup Ginger, chopped
5 Tomatoes, chopped
4 tbs Ghee
1 tbs Dried fenugreek (Kasoori Methi)
1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
Salt

PROCEDURE

1. Dry- grind the coriander seeds and red chillies
2. Heat the ghee in a kadhai (wok). Fry the garlic pasteon medium flame  till it turns golden brown.
3. Fry the chopped ginger and coriander seeds- red chillies powder in this for around 45 seconds.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Mix and fry this on medium flame while stirring continuously.
5. Fry till the ghee separates from the masala.
6. Add the dried fenugreek (kasoori methi) and garam masala powder. Mix.
7. Keep aside.

For the Kadhai Paneer

INGREDIENTS

500gms Fresh Cottage Cheese (Paneer), cut into medium size cubes
3 tbs Ghee
1 large Capsicum, deseeded and julienned
3 tsp Coriander seeds
5 Dried Red Chillies
Kadhai Paste (above)
A pinch of dried fenugreek (Kasoori Methi)
1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
¼ cup Fresh coriander, chopped

PROCEDURE

1. Dry grind the coriander seeds and dried red chillies to a fine powder.
2. Heat the ghee in a kadhai (wok). Stir fry the capsicum on high flame for 30 seconds.
3.  Add the chopped ginger and coriander-red chillies powder to this and fry on medium flame for around 1 minute.
4. Add the Kadhai Paste prepared above. Fry till the oil separates from the masala. This should take around 4-5 minutes at the most.
5. Add the paneer to this and mix gently. Cook while stirring gently for 2-3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the dried fenugreek (kasoori methi) and garam masala powder. Adjust the seasoning if required. Mix.
7. Serve hot garnished with fresh chopped coriander.

This is quite a hit with my gujju guests!  Tastes just like the kadhai paneer you get in restaurants (better if I can be immodest!) and despite the gujju preference for this dish I must admit that it is truly delectable. Experiment with other vegetables for kadhai vegetable and also with chicken to get kadhai chicken. Just try it! It goes brilliantly with any hot, fresh bread.

Author: Hansal Mehta

Rants, Recipes, Writings, Films etc... View all posts by Hansal Mehta