Kadai Paneer

About

The key to building the flavors of this dish is to toast the spices in oil and then fold the spices in with garlic, ginger, and onions, which saute until softened. You can use store-bought paneer for this, but it is also rewarding and easy to make paneer at home.

What is Kadai?

Kadai paneer is made in a Kadai pan that is similar in style to a wok. If you do not have a Kadai or wok, you can use a deep, shallow pan to make this dish.

What is the flavor profile of this dish?

Spicy and full of delicious, browned garlic, onion, and ginger flavors, topped with warm garam masala, coriander, and bay. It is full of quintessential Indian heat and spices!

What do I serve with Kadai paneer?

This dish would be great served with cauliflower rice and a side of dark green vegetables like green beans or mustard greens.

Ingredients

4 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon, sliced ginger
1 tablespoon, chopped garlic
½ large onion
2 large – 3" diameter tomato
1 ½ tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander seed ground or whole dried
½ teaspoon bay leaf
1 each – approx 4" – 6" long hot chili peppers, red, raw
1 pound paneer cheese (indian cheese)
½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt by morton
3 tablespoon coconut cream (liquid from grated meat)
4 tablespoon cilantro
1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

In a large nonstick saute pan, combine the spices. Turn the heat to medium-high. Stirring constantly, toast the spices until they begin to smoke.
Add oil and tilt to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
Add the garlic and ginger and toast until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the diced onions. Stir well and continue to cook, turning the heat down to low, about 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and browned. Add the garam marsala, bay leaves, and chopped red chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and develop their flavors. Add sliced fresh tomato and stir briefly. Then cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices. If it does not, add 1-2 tbsp of water.
Add cubed paneer (1” pieces) and stir well.
Then add the coconut cream and salt. Stir well.
Taste, adjusting the seasonings to your liking. Serve with cauliflower rice and top with chopped cilantro.