Kadhai Paneer is an extremely popular dish made with Indian cottage cheese and crisp bell peppers, most commonly cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. Indeed, this dish is said to have originated in Northern India and is distinguished from other restaurant-style paneer recipes by the use of fresh, whole spices that are roasted and coarsely ground before being incorporated into the dish. 

The term ‘Kadhai’ refers to the wok-like pan traditionally used to cook this meal, and this wok is believed to have been used in Northern India as early as the Indus Valley civilisation! As the Kadhai increased in popularity as a cooking tool, it adapted to different communities’ ways of cooking. In Northern India, this meant that the Kadhai became synonymous with charred vegetables, vibrant curries and slow-cooked stews – which is where the Kadhai Paneer came into being! 

The Kadhai has the perfect shape for even heat distribution to elevate your meals, but how do you use a Kadhai at home to recreate Kadhai Paneer? Alternatively, if you don’t possess a traditional Kadhai, how can a wok be used to a similar effect? At Everest Dine, we have the perfect recipe for keen cooks to follow to recreate the Kadhai Paneer from the comfort of their own home, whatever cooking tools you have! Read this recipe, here:

The Ingredients

• Paneer cubes
• Turmeric
• Onions
• Ginger-Garlic Paste
• Chopped Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers
• Bay Leaves
• Kashmiri Chili Powder
• Green Chilis
• Garam Masala
• Coriander Powder
• Cumin Powder

The Steps

• Heat oil in a kadhai (or deep pan).
• Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Sauté sliced onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies in the same pan. 
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Stir in spices: turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chilli powder.
• Add bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Toss in paneer cubes, mix well, and cook for a few more minutes.
• Garnish with fresh bay leaves and serve with naan or roti.

Kadhai Paneer doesn’t only have a rich history in India, but Nepal, too! For Nepalese cuisine that’s as authentic as it is delicious, book a table at Everest Dine in Auckland as soon as possible. We make Kadhai Paneer with an authentic Nepalese twist, cooking it street style with flavoursome capsicum and onion.