Kadai Paneer (Wok-Cooked Cottage Cheese Curry)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
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
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Allergens:
Milk
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