Kadai paneer.

One of the most popular dish to be ordered in Indian restaurants is Kadai chicken. But most of the Hindus being strict vegetarians so this is a variation of kadai chicken. In this dish we add paneer ( cottage cheese) instead of chicken. This dish is very popular with the vegetarian Indians as this dish not only tastes good but goes well with rotis and naan. In this dish paneer is cooked in tomato gravy along with spices to give it a unique taste and aroma. This dish is not only liked by adults but surprisingly children are very fond of this dish. So mothers who do not want to give meat to children on some day or ever, can try this dish and see the children licking their fingers.

Yield :-4 servings.

1. Paneer: cut in to cubes 1 cup i.e. about ½ pounds.
2. Onion: 1 finely chopped.
3. Tomatoes: 2 large, diced.
4. Capsicum / bell pepper: 1 green, diced.
5. Ginger: 1 Tbsp chopped.
6. Ginger: few julienned.
7. Garlic cloves: 6
8. Kasuri Methi: 1 Tsp.
9. Coriander seeds: Whole 2 tbsp.
10. Coriander Seeds: Crushed ½ Tbsp
11. Turmeric Powder: ½ Tsp.
12. Red chili: 3
13. Green Chili: 5.
14. Paprika; 1 Tsp.
15. Coriander or cilantro leaves: chopped 5 Tbsp.
16. Water: ½ cup.

1. In a heavy base pan dry roast red chilies and coriander seeds till they start to give their unique aroma.
2. Now take them off heat and let them cool.
3. Once cooled coarsely grind them together.
4. Now in the same pan heat oil.
5. Add crushed coriander and chopped ginger.
6. Stir for about 15 seconds and add chopped onions.
7. Now sauté for few minutes till the onions are translucent.
8. Add green chilies and all grounded spices along with crushed garlic.
9. Stir for few minutes.
10. Add chopped tomatoes and mix well.
11. Add salt according to your taste and mix well. Cook it for few minutes.
12. When tomatoes are cooked add capsicum and cook for couple of minutes.
13. Add kasuri methi and paneer.
14. Mix well.
15. Add ½ cup water. Cook for about 4 minutes.
16. Add julienned ginger.
17. Cook till the gravy is nearly dry and paneer has soaked all the aroma.
18. Now sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves on the dish.
19. Serve hot with roti or naan.