Kadai Paneer (Wok-Cooked Cottage Cheese Curry)

A favourite North Indian-style curry, kadai paneer brings together firm cubes of paneer, chunky green pepper and a glossy spiced tomato gravy. The dish takes its name from the kadai, the deep Indian wok often used for quick, high-heat cooking, which helps keep the peppers bright and the sauce concentrated. Here, dried red chilli, coriander and cumin are blended into the tomato base, then simmered until rich before the paneer is folded through gently. A little cream softens the heat and gives the curry a rounded finish, making it well suited to naan, roti or basmati rice.
Cuisine style North Indian paneer curry
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Meal prep friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Toasted spice base: Toasting the dried chilli before blending it with coriander, cumin and tomatoes gives the gravy a deeper, more aromatic flavour.
  • Balanced textures: Soft paneer contrasts with green pepper that stays slightly crisp, keeping the curry from feeling too heavy.
  • Glossy finish: Reducing the tomato purée before adding cream creates a thick sauce with body, richness and a smooth finish.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a milder curry: Use a milder dried chilli or reduce it slightly, and swap green pepper for red pepper if you prefer a sweeter flavour.
  • For more heat: Choose a hotter dried chilli and let the tomato gravy reduce fully so the spice flavour is concentrated rather than raw.
  • Keep the heat rounded: Add the cream at the end over low heat; it softens the chilli while keeping the toasted spice flavour clear.

Ingredient notes

  • Paneer texture: Use paneer that holds its shape but is not overly dry. Very firm paneer benefits from a brief soak in hot water before it goes into the sauce.
  • Tomato quality: Ripe tomatoes give the gravy body and natural sweetness; under-ripe tomatoes can taste sharp once reduced.
  • Pepper size: Cut the pepper into chunky pieces so it softens at the edges while keeping a fresh bite.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the sauce catch: Once the tomato purée is in the wok, stir often and keep the heat moderate; thick tomato sauces can burn before they look dry.
  • Rushing the reduction: The gravy should look thick and glossy, with ghee beginning to separate at the edges, before the pepper and paneer are added.
  • Boiling after adding cream: Lower the heat before stirring in the cream and avoid boiling afterwards, as high heat can make the sauce split.

Authenticity notes

  • Kadai-style cooking: Kadai paneer is named for the high-sided Indian wok used to cook and toss the sauce, paneer and peppers over direct heat.
  • Creamy finish: The cream gives the curry a softer, restaurant-style richness, while the toasted spice blend keeps the flavour savoury and aromatic.
  • Pepper variations: Green pepper gives a slightly bitter, fresh edge; red pepper makes the curry sweeter and softer in flavour.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Cut the onion into thin slices. Peel the ginger and garlic. Roughly chop the tomatoes, cut the green pepper into chunky pieces, and cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp of the ghee in a wok over medium heat. Add the dried red chilli and toast for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, then tip into a blender. Add the ground coriander and ground cumin to the blender.
  3. Add the tomatoes to the blender and blend to a smooth purée. If needed, pause and scrape down the sides so the spices are fully incorporated. Set aside.
  4. Return the wok to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Grate in the ginger and garlic, then cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Pour in the spiced tomato purée and bring to a lively simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy and the ghee begins to separate at the edges. Keep the heat moderate so it does not catch.
  6. Stir in the green pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender but still bright. Add the paneer and garam masala, then gently fold to coat without breaking the cubes. Simmer for 2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in the double cream. Warm for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce looks rich and glossy, but do not let it boil. Serve hot.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Serve with basmati rice Serve with naan

Tips

  • For the best texture, keep the green pepper slightly undercooked so it stays crisp-tender in the finished curry.
  • If your paneer is firm, soak it in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain well before adding; it will stay softer in the sauce.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the curry is heated until piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace double cream with cooking cream for a lighter finish, keeping the heat low so it does not split.
  • Replace ghee with butter for a similar richness, but watch the heat so it does not brown too quickly.
  • Replace green pepper with red pepper for a sweeter, less bitter flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, until piping hot; avoid boiling once reheated to keep the sauce smooth.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 40min (35min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
With serving suggestions One pot Kid friendly

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