Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy
Chunks of paneer cheese cooked in a robust tomato-based gravy with bell peppers, onions, and freshly ground aromatic spices characteristic of North Indian cuisine. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes paneer, vegetable oil, cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 250 g, cut into 1-inch cubes paneer
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 whole, broken dried red chili
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 3 medium, pureed tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp kadai masala (coarsely ground coriander, cumin, fennel seeds)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 broken dried red chili, sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 medium pureed tomatoes, 2 tbsp kadai masala, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala and the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup water, then fold in 1 medium diced green bell pepper and 1 medium diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes to soften the peppers.
- Step 6: Gently add 250 g paneer cubes to the gravy, stirring carefully to coat the paneer without breaking it. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or steamed basmati rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cut into 1-inch cubes paneer from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kadai Paneer Simmered in Spiced Tomato Gravy?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
