By Shreya Sarpal
October 2, 2025
Kadai Paneer is a classic North Indian dish made with soft paneer cubes cooked in a spicy, flavourful tomato-onion gravy, infused with aromatic kadai masala. Perfect for roti, naan, or steamed rice, it’s a restaurant-style recipe you can easily recreate at home.
200–250 g paneer cut into cubes 2 tbsp oil or ghee 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 finely chopped onion 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 slit green chillies 2-3 pureed tomatoes 1 tsp red chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp kadai masala (coarsely ground dry red chillies & coriander seeds) Salt to taste Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Cut paneer into cubes and lightly fry in a little oil until golden (optional) or keep fresh
Heat oil, add cumin seeds, onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies, sautéing until golden.
Add chopped or pureed tomatoes and cook until soft. Mix in red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt.
Add paneer cubes and kadai masala, toss gently, and simmer for 5 minutes so that paneer absorbs the flavours.
Sprinkle fresh coriander on top and serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.