Food Tatwa

Kadai Masala

This kadai paneer recipe gets its unique flavors from freshly ground masala. It’s called the kadai masala.

kadai masala

• Coriander seeds
• Dried red chilies
• Green cardamom
• Fennel seeds
• Cloves

For gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon oil, 15 ml, I used avocado oil
• 1 medium red onion, 150 grams, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• 3-4 medium tomatoes, 450 grams, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 3/4 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 inch ginger, julienned, divided
• 1/2 cup water, 4 oz/120 ml
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 30 ml
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 large green bell pepper (capsicum), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 225 grams paneer, cubed, if using store-bought paneer soak it in warm water for 20-25 minutes before using
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi, dried fenugreek leaves
• cilantro, to garnish

Instructions

Make the Kadai Masala

1. To a small kadai or pan, dry roast the spices for kadai masala for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat until fragrant.  Add more red chilies for a spicier masala.
2. Remove kadai from heat and transfer the roasted spices to a spice grinder.
3. Let it cool down a bit and then grind to a fine powder. Set aside. You can also make this kadai masala in advance and store it.

Make the Kadai Paneer

1. In a large kadai or any other pan, now melt butter with oil on medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and saute for 3 minutes until softened. Then add the sliced green chili and ginger garlic paste and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Then add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix and cook for around 6 minutes until tomatoes are really soft.
4. Then add 3 to 4 teaspoons of the kadai masala that you prepared earlier (or add the whole thing if you like it spicy). Also add the garam masala, kashmiri red chili powder.
5. Add half of the ginger julienne. Stir the spices and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Then add 1/2 cup water and stir.
7. Add cream, salt and sugar and mix. Cook for one minute.