Dhaba Style Karahi Paneer at home
Dhaba style Karahi Paneer is a rich and flavourful paneer curry that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. It tastes best with rotis, naan, or plain rice.
Dhabas are roadside eateries found across Northern India, especially along highways. They often act as rest stops for travellers and truck drivers, serving hearty local food. Most dhabas offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Tandoori chicken is one of the most loved non-vegetarian dhaba dishes, while Chana Masala is a firm favourite for vegetarians. Alongside these, paneer dishes are hugely popular, as are seasonal specialities like sarson ka saag.
If you love paneer and are looking for more paneer curry recipes, paneer tikka masala, shahi paneer, palak methi paneer, matar paneer and palak paneer are personal favorites.
Karahi Paneer Recipe (Dhaba Style)
Karahi Paneer is a classic North Indian dish made with soft paneer, fresh tomatoes, and bold spices. It gets its name from the karahi (wok) it is traditionally cooked in. This dish is full of flavour, slightly spicy, and best enjoyed hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
Ingredients
Paneer ingredients
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
Masala base ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped or crushed
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Karahi-style spices
- 1 green capsicum, sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried red chillies or chilli flakes
Finishing ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon fresh cream (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- A small knob of butter (optional)
Method
- Prepare the Paneer
Heat 1 table spoon oil or butter in a pan. Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden on the edges. Remove and set aside. - Make the Base
Heat oil or ghee in a karahi or deep pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and lightly golden. - Add Ginger & Garlic
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears. - Cook the Tomatoes
Add tomatoes, red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook on medium heat until the oil separates and the masala thickens. - Create Karahi Flavour
Add crushed coriander seeds and crushed red chillies. Mix well to release their aroma. - Add Capsicum & Paneer
Add sliced capsicum and cook for 2–3 minutes so it stays slightly crunchy. Gently add the paneer and mix carefully. - Finish the Dish
Sprinkle garam masala, add fresh cream if using, and a small knob of butter for extra richness. Simmer for 2 minutes. - Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
What Does Paneer Pair Well With?
Paneer dishes are loved because they are easy to enjoy and work well in many types of meals. Paneer tastes great in both creamy curries and lighter, spiced dishes. It goes well with breads and rice, making the meal filling and satisfying.
Creamy paneer dishes like shahi paneer, paneer butter masala, and paneer tikka masala taste best with naan or butter naan. The soft bread helps soak up the rich gravy and makes every bite more enjoyable. Garlic naan is a good choice if you like extra flavour. For a lighter or everyday meal, plain roti or tandoori roti is a better option. These breads are less heavy and let the real taste of the paneer and spices come through. They are ideal for simple lunches or home style dinners.
Paneer curries also go very well with rice. Jeera rice adds a gentle flavour that matches tomato and onion gravies nicely. Plain basmati rice keeps the meal light and balanced. For special days, paneer can also be served with mild vegetable pulao. To make the meal complete, add a few simple sides. Onion salad, cucumber slices, and lemon wedges add freshness and crunch. Yoghurt or raita helps cool the mouth if the curry is spicy. Pickles and chutneys add a tangy taste that brings everything together. With these easy pairings, paneer dishes become comforting, well balanced meals that are perfect for everyday family meals and special occasions alike.
Tips for Perfect Karahi Paneer
- Use fresh paneer: Fresh, soft paneer gives the best texture and absorbs the flavours of the masala well. If using store-bought paneer, soaking it briefly in warm water helps keep it soft.
- Do not overcook capsicum: Add capsicum towards the end and cook it just until slightly tender. A bit of crunch adds colour, freshness, and balance to the dish.
- Cook the masala on medium heat: Cooking on medium heat allows the onions, tomatoes, and spices to blend properly. This helps develop deep flavour and prevents the masala from burning.
Adjust spice to taste: Karahi Paneer is usually spicy, but you can easily control the heat. Increase or reduce chillies as needed, and balance strong heat with a little cream or butter if required.
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Karahi Paneer is a flavour-packed dish that brings together soft paneer, fresh capsicum, and bold Indian spices. By using fresh ingredients, cooking the masala with care, and balancing the spices to your taste, you can achieve an authentic, restaurant-style result at home. Whether served with naan, roti, or rice, this comforting dish is perfect for everyday meals as well as special occasions, making it a true favourite for paneer lovers.
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