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Paneer Pulao Recipe

Imagine, soft supple, spongy paneer pieces nestled in aromatic rice, and blended with fragrant spices. How delicious does that sound? Even the thought of it makes you drool over the dish. What if you actually cook it and satiate your tastebuds? Paneer pulao is the ideal balance between comfort, satisfaction, and harmony. Even a spoonful is like a warm, comforting hug of creamy, spongy paneer, rice, and a burst of spices. It’s a one-pot meal ideal for days when you want something simple and indulgent. Paneer’s gentle richness combines well with aromatic spices whereas vegetables add crunchiness, making it fulfilling and wholesome.

Paneer pulao is a versatile meal, whether you cook it for a special occasion, lunch boxes for school, college, or workplace or a family lunch and dinner. You can serve it with salads, curries, raita, or curd to leave an everlasting impression on your guests. Want to indulge in this satisfying and indulgent meal before preparing it for your guests? Check the recipe mentioned in this guide!

Ingredients for Paneer Pulao

Listed below are the ingredients you need to cook mouth-watering paneer pulao:

For Cooking Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1/4 cup carrot
  • 1/3 cup green peas
  • 1/4 cup mint coriander leaves
  • Salt as per taste

For Marinating Paneer

  • 200 grams paneer
  • Salt as per taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala powder
  • A pinch of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon of gram flour
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Kasuri Methi

For Tempering

  • 2 tablespoons of cold or wood pressed edible oil
  • 1 one-inch cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamoms
  • 1 star anise
  • A bit of mace or javitri
  • 1 small tej patta or bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon shahi jeera
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick

Paneer Pulao Recipe

Below is a step-by-step guide on cooking finger-licking paneer pulao:

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Take a cup of any Keshar Kali rice in a bowl and wash it at least thrice. Soak the cleaned rice in water for approximately 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cut paneer into small or medium cubes. Then, marinate the paneer, also called cottage cheese. Take 200 grams of paneer in a bowl, and add the following ingredients and mix well:
    • Salt as per taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
    • 1½ tablespoons of edible oil or ghee
    • 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala powder
    • A pinch of turmeric
    • 1/2 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
    • 1 tablespoon of gram flour
    • ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Kasuri Methi

Step 2: Cook Pulao

  1. Place your pot on a high flame on your gas stove. Add cooking oil or ghee as per your choice. When the oil gets heated properly, add the following ingredients:
    • 1 one-inch cinnamon stick
    • ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds
    • 2 cloves
    • 2 cardamoms
    • A bit of mace or javitri
    • 1 star anise
    • 1 small tej patta or bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon shahi jeera
  2. Stir them well. Once they splutter, add a medium-sized sliced onion, and 1 slit green chilli. Saute the spices properly. Keep frying the onions till they turn light to a deep golden colour.
  3. Now, add ginger garlic paste and continue frying till the raw smell vanishes.
  4. Add 1/3 and ¼ peas and carrots respectively. Stir properly for approximately 1 minute.
  5. Add chopped ¼ cup of coriander and mint leaves. Saute the mixture well for 2 minutes till the leaves leave a good aroma.
  6. Pour 2 cups of water to cook rice in a pressure cooker and 3 cups of water to cook pulao in a pot.
  7. Add ½ a teaspoon of salt and taste it. The mixture should taste slightly salty.
  8. Switch to a high flame and bring the water to a boil. Then, add washed rice.
  9. If you cook pulao in a regular pot, close the lid, and cook rice on a low flame. Let it cook for around 15 minutes. If cooking rice in a pressure cooker, cook on a high flame for a minute. And, if cooking in an instant pot, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and release the pressure manually.

Step 3: Fry Paneer

  1. While the pulao cooks, it’s time to fry paneer cubes. Place a non-stick pan on another stove and heat it on a high flame. Then reduce the flame and place paneer. Fry the cubes till they change their colour to golden yellow and become crisp. You do not need to add oil here as you have added oil when marinating paneer cubes.
  2. When rice is well cooked, tender, and has absorbed water, turn off your gas stove. Wait for around 5 minutes and let the cooked rice settle.
  3. After 5 minutes, add pan-fried paneer cubes and combine them properly with rice. Close the lid of the pan again and let cottage cheese be in the rice for another 5 minutes. This will make paneer, soft, fluffy, and spongy. Also, paneer and pulao will absorb the flavours of each other.
  4. Your finger-licking paneer pulao is ready! Garnish it with a few drops of lemon juice or coriander leaves as your choice. Enjoy this delicious dish with curd, raita, or salad.

Conclusion:

Paneer pulao is not just a dish; it’s a pop-up of taste, fragrance, and warmth that brings the whole family together. Its simple nature and rich flavours make it a favourite among everyone. Whether you indulge in it with cool cucumber raita or spicy gravy, your palate and heart are satisfied. The soft, supple paneer cubes, fluffy rice and aromatic spices create a thrilling and satisfying harmony. So, the next time, you want to cook a delectable and quick meal, paneer pulao is your go-to recipe. Prepare and watch the meal disappear instantly! Once you have it, you will want to have more of it. Happy cooking and eating!
For cooking the delicious paneer pulao recipe with the best quality rice, Keshar Kali is your go-to choice. We have premium-quality rice, from Wada Kolam and Madhuram to Mahak, Mastani, and Brown Rice. So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website and purchase the best-quality rice today!
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