Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Pulao Recipe – Authentic Indian Rice with Peas & Carrots

Introduction

Oh, Paneer Pulao! This dish just feels like home, doesn’t it? It’s one of those recipes I grew up with, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I first made this on my own after moving away from home, and it instantly transported me back to my mom’s kitchen. Today, I’m so excited to share my version with you – a simple, authentic recipe for a truly delicious Paneer Pulao.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Paneer Pulao isn’t just another rice dish. It’s a complete meal in one pot! Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Flavorful: The aromatic spices and perfectly fried paneer create a symphony of flavors.
• Easy: It comes together quickly, especially with a pressure cooker.
• Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion.
• Comforting: It’s a hug in a bowl – seriously!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups Paneer cubes
• 0.5 cup Peas & carrot (mixed)
• 1 Onion
• 2 Green chilli
• 1 teaspoon Ginger garlic paste
• Coriander leaves as needed
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon Ghee
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• 1 Clove
• 1 inch Cinnamon
• 1 Cardamom
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Shahi jeera

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is key here. Look for aged basmati – it’s longer, fluffier, and has a beautiful aroma. I usually go for the extra-long grain variety. About 200g of rice is perfect for this recipe.

Paneer: Types and Quality

You can use store-bought or homemade paneer. If using store-bought, choose a fresh, soft block. I prefer the non-pasteurized kind if I can find it, as it holds its shape better when fried.

Shahi Jeera: The Royal Cumin & Its Flavor Profile

Shahi jeera (caraway seeds) adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor. Don’t skip it if you can help it! It’s different from regular cumin, so it really elevates the dish.

Regional Variations in Spices

Spice blends can vary! Some families add a pinch of saffron for color and aroma, or a dash of garam masala. Feel free to experiment.

Ghee vs. Oil: Understanding the Difference

Ghee adds a richness and nutty flavor that oil can’t quite match. However, if you prefer, you can use oil for both frying the rice and tempering the spices.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and soak the basmati rice in water for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy. Then, drain it well.
2. Heat the ghee in a pan and gently fry the drained rice until it’s dry. This step is important – it helps the rice stay separate. Set it aside.
3. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil. Add the clove, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, and shahi jeera. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
5. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté briefly. Then, add the peas and carrots and cook until they’re semi-soft.
6. Pour in 1.75 cups of water, add salt to taste, and bring it to a boil.
7. Add the roasted rice to the boiling water. Cover the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 12-13 minutes, or for 2 whistles.
8. While the rice is cooking, pan-fry the paneer cubes in a separate non-stick skillet until they’re golden brown on all sides.
9. Once the rice is cooked, gently mix in the fried paneer cubes.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with raita or your favorite spicy curry.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving Fluffy Rice Every Time

Don’t overcook the rice! The key is to get the water ratio right and avoid stirring it too much while it’s cooking.

Perfectly Golden Paneer: A Guide

Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the paneer. Fry it in batches to ensure it gets nicely browned and crispy.

Tempering Techniques for Maximum Flavor

Be careful not to burn the spices when tempering. Keep the heat on medium and watch them closely.

Adjusting Spice Levels to Your Preference

Feel free to adjust the number of green chilies to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Paneer Pulao: Substitute the paneer with tofu or simply omit it for a delicious vegetable pulao.
• Gluten-Free Paneer Pulao: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
• Spice Level Adjustments: For a mild pulao, reduce or omit the green chilies. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or Diwali, I sometimes add a handful of cashew nuts and raisins for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Pulao is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Raita (yogurt dip)
• A spicy vegetable curry
• A simple salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of rice is best for Pulao?

Basmati rice is the best choice! Its long grains and fragrant aroma make it perfect for pulao.

Can I use frozen peas and carrots in this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just add them directly to the pressure cooker along with the onions.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker?

Frying the rice in ghee before adding it to the pressure cooker helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure there’s enough water.

What is the best way to pan-fry paneer so it doesn’t become rubbery?

Don’t overcook it! Fry it quickly over medium heat until it’s golden brown.

Can this Pulao be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the same recipe, but reduce the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.