Paneer Pulao Recipe: Delicious and Nutritious Paneer Pulao

 Paneer Pulao, a delightful and aromatic Indian dish, combines the richness of cottage cheese (paneer) with the fragrant rice to create a wholesome and flavorful meal. Paneer Pulao Recipe is a favorite dish among vegetarians and those who appreciate the enticing mix of spices, textures, and aromas that Indian cuisine offers. In this article, we will delve into the details of crafting a delectable paneer pulao, including its ingredients, steps, tips for perfection, and its nutritional value.

Cooking Time: 16-20 min

Serving: 5-6 

Ingredients:

To embark on the journey of creating a mouthwatering paneer pulao, gather the following ingredients:

1. Basmati Rice: 1 cup
2. Paneer (Cottage Cheese): 200g, cubes
3. Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
4. Dry fruits: 8-10 Cashew nuts/Kaju, 
5. 1tbsp raisins/kishmis
6.  Mixed Vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)1      cup, 
7. Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (optional)
8. Finely chopped Onions: 1 medium-sized, 
9. chopped Green Chilies: 2-3, 
10. finely chopped (adjust to taste)
11.  Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
12. WholeSpices(Cinnamon,Cloves,Cardamon):2-3 each
13.  Cumin Seeds: 1 small teaspoon
14.  Bay Leaf: 1
15. Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
16. Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful,     chopped
17. Fresh Mint Leaves: A handful, 
18.  chopped
19. Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
20.  Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
21.  Garam Masala Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
22. Salt: To taste
23. Water: 1.5 cups

Paneer Pulao Recipe

After preparing ingredients now let's start paneer pulao recipe step by step. 

STEPS

STEP 1: 

Preparing the Rice:

• Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

STEP 2:

Sauteing the Ingredients:

1. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Fry the paneer till brown on low medium flame. Transfer it to a plate .
3. Now roast cashew nuts /Kaju first then transfer to a plate then roast raisins till it light brown for a minutes on low medium flame.
4. Transfer the left oil /ghee to another pan/kadhai .
5. Add ghee/oil .
6. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and whole spices.
7.  Saute until they release a fragrant aroma at least 10-12 seconds.
8. Add sliced onions and saute until they turn golden brown. 
9. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Saute for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
10. Cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate.
11. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan. Gently saute for a couple of minutes to coat the rice with the flavorful spices.
12. Add the mixed vegetables and saute for a few minutes until they start to soften.
13. Add red chilli powder , turmeric powder, garam masala and the salt.
14. Add lemon (optional).
15. Add water then place paneer and dry fruits.
16. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
17. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
18. Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork, and fold in the chopped mint, and coriander leaves.

STEP 3:

Final Touches and Serving:

Cover the pan again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the aromatic and flavorful paneer pulao hot, garnished with additional chopped mint and coriander leaves.

Tips For Perfection:

• Don't over soak the rice more the 30 minutes.
• Fry paneer till brown. Ensure that the paneer cubes are not too large, allowing them to absorb the flavors better.
• For white pulao paneer you can escape spices(turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala).

Nutritional Values (approx. per serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Protein: 10-15g
Fat: 10-15g
Fiber: 2-4g
Vitamins and minerals: Varied (due to vegetables and spices)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

Your flavorful and aromatic Paneer Pulao recipe is now ready to be served.

Paneer pulao is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a nourishing and wholesome meal option. With its rich blend of textures, flavors, and nutrients, this dish showcases the beauty of Indian cuisine.

By following the steps, tips, and incorporating this flavorful recipe into your regular meals, you can savor the goodness of paneer pulao while benefiting from its nutritional value.

People Also Ask:

Q. What ingredients are needed for preparing paneer pulao?
A: To make paneer pulao, you will need basmati rice, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), veggies such as peas and carrots, spices like cumin and garam masala, and garnishing like fried onions and fresh coriander leaves.


Q: How long does it take to cook paneer pulao?
A: The approximate cooking time for paneer pulao is around 15-30 minutes. This includes the time required for preparation, cooking the rice, and sautéing the paneer and veggies.


Q: Can paneer pulao be prepared in a pressure cooker?
A: Yes, paneer pulao can be easily prepared in a pressure cooker. However, the water-to-rice ratio and cooking time may vary compared to stovetop cooking. Follow the specific instructions for your pressure cooker.

Q: Is paneer pulao a suitable dish for vegetarians?
A: Yes, paneer pulao is a vegetarian dish as it primarily includes rice, vegetables, and paneer (cottage cheese), which is a popular protein source for vegetarians. It can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and vegans (if they consume paneer).


Q: Can paneer pulao be refrigerated for later consumption?
A: Yes, paneer pulao can be refrigerated for later consumption. Allow it to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve, adding a little water if needed to prevent dryness.