This is yet another rice dish that is made in one single pot and can be enjoyed as you want it to. Pulao has different varieties, such as prawn pulao, peas pulao, vegetable pulao, and so many others. It is versatile and can be served with any other side dishes.
For the Paneer Pulao, we are going to need a few simple ingredients and vegetables (if preferred). The fluffy white rice together with the tender paneer is a nice combination. Veggies add the needed crunch while the spices add robustness.
As it is a one-pot meal, it will not take up the days’ time. Devour it at home or pack it in your office lunch, nevertheless, it will still be as yummy. Do not miss out on this panner pulao; cook it, try it, and then share it with all.
Let us look through the list of ingredients and the process of making Paneer Pulao easily at home.
Paneer Pulao Recipe (Quick and Easy)
Equipment
- 1 Induction Cooktop
- 1 Kadhai
Ingredients
For Paneer Pulao
- 1 ½ cups Basmati Rice
- 250 g Paneer or Indian Cottage Cheese
- ½ cup Sweet Corn
- ½ cup Green Peas
- 7-8 Green Beans
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 2 Carrots
- 1 cup Cauliflower Florets small-sized florets
- 1 Onion large; optional
- 4-5 Green Chili
- 1 sprig Mint
- ½ cup Raisins optional
- Salt to taste
- Water
- Ghee
- Vegetable Oil
Masala For Pulao
- 3 Green Cardamom
- 3 Clove
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
- 2 Bay Leaves
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder or as needed
- 3-4 Black Pepper Corns
- 2 pinch Cumin Seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Rice for Pulao
- First, wash the basmati rice twice or thrice thoroughly under water.
- Next, soak the rice for about 40 minutes.
- After the rice is soaked well, strain the water and transfer the rice into a boiling pot.
- Add 3 ½ to 4 cups of water, turmeric powder (for the beautiful yellow color), green cardamom (whole), clove, cinnamon stick (break it from the middle), bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
- Keep the flame on medium and let the rice come to a boil.
- Stir occasionally. Cover and let the rice cook through nicely.
- After some time, check if the rice is cooked.
- When it is perfectly done, strain the excess water and keep the fluffy rice aside. Do not discard the whole spices.
Prepare the Paneer Pulao
- Now, cut the paneer into small cubes.
- Next, dice the bell pepper.
- After this, julienne the carrots or cut them into small pieces. Thinly slice the onion as well (if using). Keep them aside.
- Take a wok or kadhai and add vegetable oil.
- Let the oil heat until it smokes a little.
- To the oil gently add the paneer cubes.
- Fry them from all the sides for about 20 seconds. Take them out and keep them aside.
- To the same oil add the cumin seeds.
- Stir them for a few seconds until fragrant and then add the sliced onions. Keep the flame on low to medium.
- Sauté them until they turn translucent and then add the carrot and cauliflower florets.
- Cover and cook them until soft. Stir them occasionally.
- To this add the sweet corn, green peas, green beans, green chilis (slit them from the middle, )and cubed bell peppers.
- Stir them nicely.
- Add salt to taste and stir again.
- Fry them for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the raisins to the vegetables.
- Stir them together nicely.
- Now, add the cooked basmati rice to the kadhai or wok.
- Add the paneer cubes and give everything a toss.
- Take a taste test.
- Add salt if needed.
- Toss everything a few times. Be gentle, make sure not to break the paneer pieces.
- Stir consistently for a few seconds. Let all the ingredients incorporate well.
- Now, drizzle 1 tsp of Ghee from all the sides.
- Toss them again. This will spread the ghee throughout.
- When done, take the Paneer pulao out of the flame and transfer it into the serving bowl.
Garnish
- Garnish the Paneer Pulao with a sprig of fresh mint.
Ta-daa! The awaited Paneer Pulao is prepared to be devoured. Serve it with salad, egg curry, chicken curry, or any side dish of your choice. Also, a glass of sour Masala Chaas (or Butter Milk) would be a great option to pair with the dish.
Set the table with this delicious meal and the guests as well as the family will be overjoyed. Share it with all the near ones.
Bon Appétit!