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Paneer Pulao Recipe

Time and servings

Nutrition

Per servings.

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About

Paneer Pulao Recipe or High-Protein Pulao is a simple and flavorful rice dish. It combines soft paneer cubes, long-grain rice, and colourful vegetables. The recipe is easy to prepare and needs minimal ingredients. Each bite brings a mix of rich aroma and balanced nutrition. The pulao carries fibre from vegetables, carbs from rice, and protein from paneer. This combination makes it a wholesome and filling meal. Many serve it as a complete lunch or dinner option. It fits well in lunch boxes, tiffin meals, and kids’ school meals. Cooking it requires basic spices and light sautéing. It delivers comfort and taste in one pot. The rice used for this pulao is often basmati for its aroma and long grains. However, sona masuri or other varieties also work well. The texture stays fluffy and fragrant when cooked properly. Adding soya chunks with paneer further boosts the protein content. It pairs well with raita or a simple salad for a balanced plate. The mild spices keep it light and suitable for all ages. It suits both busy weekdays and relaxed weekends. Fresh coriander or mint leaves enhance its freshness. The dish represents the beauty of balanced home cooking. Overall, it remains a healthy and satisfying high-protein pulao meal. Fun Fact:
Paneer Pulao is believed to have gained popularity in North Indian kitchens as a vegetarian adaptation of traditional biryani, offering the same royal flavour with a lighter twist.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 cup paneer (cubed)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • ½ javetri
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 inch cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp ginger garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 3 chilli (finely chopped)
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cup water
  • 1½ cup basmati rice
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp coriander (finely chopped)

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Instructions

  1. Firstly, in a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp ghee and roast 1 cup paneer.
  2. Roast till the paneer turns golden brown. Keep aside.
  3. In the same ghee, add spices 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp cloves, ½ javetri, ½ tsp pepper, 1 inch cinnamon. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
  4. Now add 2 tbsp of ginger-garlic and sauté well.
  5. Also, add 1 onion and sauté until golden brown.
  6. Add 3 chillies and sauté till aromatic.
  7. Keeping the flame on low, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp salt. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
  8. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  9. Add 1½ cups of basmati rice, fried paneer, 2 tsp of lemon juice and 3 tbsp of coriander. Mix gently.
  10. Once the water comes to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  11. Fluff the rice gently, making sure it’s not sticky.
  12. Finally, enjoy Paneer Pulao Recipe with raita.

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Step-by-step

1
Firstly, in a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp ghee and roast 1 cup paneer.
2
Roast till the paneer turns golden brown. Keep aside. In the same ghee, add spices 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp cloves, ½ javetri, ½ tsp pepper, 1 inch cinnamon. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
3
Now add 2 tbsp of ginger-garlic and sauté well.
4
Also, add 1 onion and sauté until golden brown.
5
Add 3 chillies and sauté till aromatic.
6
Keeping the flame on low, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp salt. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
7
Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
8
Add 1½ cups of basmati rice, fried paneer, 2 tsp of lemon juice and 3 tbsp of coriander. Mix gently.
9
Once the water comes to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff the rice gently, making sure it’s not sticky.
10
Finally, enjoy Paneer Pulao Recipe with raita.Paneer Pulao Recipe

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Video

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Tips

Paneer Pulao Recipe**,** or High-Protein Pulao, is a wholesome, flavorful one-pot meal. It combines rice, vegetables, and paneer to create a protein-rich and balanced dish.
  1. Rice Quality: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Soak it for twenty minutes to keep the grains long and separate.
  2. Paneer Roasting: Lightly sauté paneer cubes before adding to the rice. This helps them stay firm and flavorful.
  3. Flavour: Add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, and cloves. They give aroma and depth to the pulao.
  4. More Protein: Mix in soaked soya chunks with paneer. It increases the protein content and makes the meal more filling.
  5. Resting: Let the cooked pulao rest for five minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to settle and the rice to fluff up.

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FAQ

Use basmati rice for long grains and aroma. You can also use sona masuri or other regular rice varieties for daily cooking.
Soak paneer cubes in warm water for a few minutes before adding. This keeps them soft and fresh even after cooking.
Yes, soak the soya chunks in hot water, then squeeze out the excess moisture. Add them along with paneer for a protein-rich meal.
Add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon while cooking. Fresh coriander or mint at the end enhances aroma and taste.
Yes, it stays soft and tasty for hours. Cool slightly before packing to prevent moisture buildup.

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Notes

  • Firstly, use good-quality basmati rice to get an extra-long, non-sticky texture.
  • Additionally, add more green chilis to increase the spiciness.
  • Also, frying the paneer will enhance its flavour.
  • Finally, Paneer Pualo Recipe tastes great when prepared spicy and served hot.
Original recipe by Hebbar’s Kitchen: https://hebbarskitchen.com/paneer-pulao-recipe-high-protein-pulav/