Paneer Pulao Recipe
A comforting rice dish that brings together tender cubes of paneer with fragrant spices and long-grain rice. This Paneer Pulao Recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want a filling, balanced meal. The mild spice blend and soft paneer make it popular with both adults and kids alike.
Why You’ll Love This Paneer Pulao Recipe
This dish gives you protein from paneer and energy from rice, making it a balanced meal. The paneer absorbs the mild spices but stays soft. Whole spices like cumin, bay leaf, and cinnamon add a gentle aroma, while the other flavors come through. The pulao turns out to be light and satisfying.
Another reason to love this Paneer Pulao is that the rice stays fluffy and light, so the meal never feels too heavy. You can enjoy it by itself or serve it with yogurt or salad for extra freshness.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1.5 cups long-grain rice (washed and soaked 20 minutes)
- 250–300 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 bay leaf, 4–5 whole peppercorns, 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 3 cups water (adjust as needed)
How to Make Paneer Pulao
1. Prepare the Paneer
- Heat one tablespoon of ghee or oil in a deep pan.
- Add paneer cubes and fry gently until the sides turn light golden.
- Remove the paneer and set it aside to keep it soft and firm.
2. Cook the Base
- Add the remaining ghee to the same pan.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, and peppercorns.
- Let the spices crackle slowly to release the aroma.
- Add sliced onions and cook until soft and light brown.
3. Add Flavor
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and slit green chili.
- Cook for one minute to remove the raw smell.
- Add turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
- Mix well so the spices coat the onions evenly.
4. Add Rice and Water
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan.
- Stir gently so the rice absorbs the spices.
- Add green peas if used.
- Pour in water and bring it to a boil.
5. Cook the Pulao
- Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook until the water is absorbed and the rice turns tender.
- Switch off heat and let it rest for five minutes.
6. Finish and Serve
- Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes.
- Fluff the rice lightly with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and keeps the grains separate.
- Do not stir the rice after adding water; this prevents it from breaking.
- Adjust spices to your taste for a mild or bold flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish tastes best when served hot. You can pair it with plain yogurt, cucumber raita, or a light salad. A small bowl of pickle adds extra flavor without making the meal heavy. This Paneer Pulao Recipe also works well in lunch boxes because it stays soft even after cooling.
Conclusion
This Paneer Pulao Recipe is a reliable choice when you want a wholesome meal with simple steps and familiar flavors. The combination of soft paneer, mild spices, and well-cooked rice makes it suitable for everyday cooking. Try this recipe when you want comfort food that feels homemade, balanced, and easy to enjoy
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