Kadai Paneer

Kadai Paneer (cottage cheese) cooked in spicy masala (gravy) is a simple recipe and is delicious. Chunks of paneer are shallow fried and later added into the seasoning containing sautéed onions, tomatoes and spices.

Ingredients:

1 pound paneer cubes (Nanak brand)
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

3 bay leaves

3 cloves
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (methi leaves)

1 cup onion finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1 cup fresh tomatoes finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garam masala (curry powder)
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon cilantro powder
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon mango powder
Salt to taste

Few slices of bell peppers sliced
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing

Preparation:

Step 1

Heat oil in a pan or kadai and sauté cottage cheese pieces till golden brown. Keep aside.

Step 2

Heat oil in a pan. 
Add cumin seeds, fenugreek leaves, bay leaves, and cloves.

Stir well until light brown.
Add chopped onions and sauté for few minutes until golden brown.
Add ginger and garlic paste and sauté with continuous stirring.
Add fresh diced tomatoes. Stir well. 
Add powdered spices such as garam masala, cumin powder, cilantro powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder, mango powder, and salt to taste. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
Add paneer cubes and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water. 
Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so that paneer gets coated with spices.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and sliced bell peppers. 
Turn off heat, let it stand for a few minutes.
Serve hot with naan, roti, parantha, pita bread or rice.