Recipe: Kadai Paneer – Spicy Cottage Cheese Curry with Bell Peppers

Kadai Paneer – Spicy Cottage Cheese Curry with Bell Peppers

Origin: Punjab, India
Category: Main Course | Vegetarian
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Kadai Paneer – Spicy, flavorful curry made with paneer, bell peppers, and aromatic masalas.

Kadai Paneer is a beloved Punjabi restaurant-style dish known for its bold, spicy flavors. Fresh paneer cubes are cooked with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a special kadai masala made from roasted spices. The dish is hearty, colorful, and pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

🧂 Ingredients

For Kadai Masala (Roasted Spice Mix)

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4–5 dry red chilies
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns

For the Curry

• 250 g paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp cream (optional, for restaurant-style texture)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Kadai Masala: Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and peppercorns until fragrant. Cool and grind into a coarse powder.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Lightly stir-fry sliced onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Base: In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates.
4. Add the Masala: Stir in the ground kadai masala and cook for another 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
5. Add Paneer & Veggies: Add the paneer cubes and sautéed vegetables. Mix gently to coat them with the masala.
6. Finish: Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) and cook on low flame for 5 minutes. Add cream and garam masala, then mix well.
7. Serve: Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions

Use fresh paneer for a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. For authentic flavor, make the kadai masala at home instead of using store-bought spices. You can also add crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a restaurant-style aroma.

✨ Fun Fact

The word “Kadai” refers to the deep, circular Indian wok used to prepare this dish. Traditionally, Kadai Paneer is cooked and served in the same utensil to retain its smoky and rustic flavors — a true hallmark of Punjabi dhabas!

Recipe by Love Indian Bites — Explore global cooking recipes and make them at home, all in one place.