Paneer Pea Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Spices

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Pea Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Spices

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t take forever to make. This Paneer Pea Rice is exactly that – a beautiful blend of aromatic spices, soft paneer, and sweet peas, all nestled in fluffy basmati rice. I first made this when I was craving something cozy and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Paneer Pea Rice isn’t just delicious, it’s also wonderfully versatile. It’s a complete meal in one pot, packed with protein and flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to Indian cooking. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s simmering is just heavenly! It’s a dish that truly feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful masterpiece:

• 1 ½ cups cooked basmati rice
• 1 whole onion
• ½ cup green peas
• ½ cup paneer cubes
• 3 whole green chillies
• 1.5 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp whole black pepper
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 whole cardamom
• 1 inch piece cinnamon stick
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe truly special.

• Basmati Rice: Seriously, don’t skimp on the basmati. Its long grains and delicate fragrance are key to the texture and flavor. I prefer aged basmati for the best results.
• Ghee: Ghee (clarified butter) adds a richness and nutty flavor that you just can’t replicate with oil. It’s traditional in Indian cooking for a reason! If you don’t have ghee, you can use vegetable oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Spice Blend: Freshly grinding your spices makes a huge difference. The aroma is incredible, and the flavor is so much more vibrant. I use a mortar and pestle, but a spice grinder works great too.
• Regional Variations: Spice levels vary across India! Some regions prefer a milder flavor, while others like it fiery. Feel free to adjust the number of green chillies to your liking.
• Paneer: Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores. It comes in blocks and can be cubed or crumbled.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Start by soaking your basmati rice in water for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy and separate.
2. While the rice is soaking, grind the black pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon into a coarse powder. I love doing this by hand with a mortar and pestle – it’s so satisfying!
3. Now, heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. This releases their amazing aroma.
4. Stir in the ground spice mix and the bay leaf. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the finely chopped onion and slit green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent – about 5-7 minutes.
6. Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute, until it smells wonderfully aromatic.
7. Add the green peas and paneer cubes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just to coat them with the spices.
8. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix everything together really well, ensuring the rice is coated in the masala.
9. Pour in 1.5 cups of water (you might need a little more or less depending on your stovetop). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Alternatively, you can pressure cook for one whistle.
10. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Paneer Pea Rice to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Fluffy Rice: Don’t overcook the rice! It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Preventing Sticking: A good quality non-stick pan is your friend. You can also add a teaspoon of ghee or oil to the water to help prevent sticking.
• Spice Adjustment: Taste as you go! Add more green chillies or spice powder if you like it hotter.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with vegetable oil and use a plant-based paneer alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices are sourced from a gluten-free facility.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the green chillies to 1 or omit them altogether.
  • Medium: Use 2-3 green chillies.
  • Hot: Add 4-5 green chillies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: This dish is lovely for festivals like Holi or Diwali. You can add a sprinkle of saffron strands for a touch of luxury.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Pea Rice is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments!

• Raita: Cucumber raita is a classic pairing. The cool yogurt balances the spices beautifully.
• Pickles: A tangy mango pickle adds a lovely contrast.
• Salads: A simple onion and tomato salad is a refreshing side.
• Other Indian Side Dishes: Dal (lentil soup) or a vegetable curry would complete the meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water to rehydrate the rice.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is the way to go! Its long grains and delicate flavor are perfect for this dish.

2. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peas work just as well. Just add them directly to the pan without thawing.

3. How do I adjust the spice level to my preference?
Adjust the number of green chillies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

4. What is the best way to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?
Use a good quality non-stick pan and add a teaspoon of ghee or oil to the water.

5. Can this be made in an Instant Pot or rice cooker?
Yes! For an Instant Pot, use the rice setting with a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio. For a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. What is Paneer and where can I find it?
Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese popular in Indian cuisine. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.

Enjoy making this delicious Paneer Pea Rice! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!