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    You are here: Home / RandomPosts / Paneer Pulao Recipe (Paneer Rice)

    Paneer Pulao Recipe (Paneer Rice)

    Last Updated On: May 26, 2024 by Sharmilee J

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    Paneer Pulao is a great one pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Paneer Pulao is an ideal dish for special occasions or even lunch box as it is simple and quick to make. Learn to make Paneer Pulao Recipe with step by step pictures and video.

    paneer pulao served with plain curd

    I have tasted Paneer Pulao many times in restaurants which was less spicy with mild flavors, since then I wanted to recreate the version. After trying few times I could recreate the same flavors and here is the recipe.

    Jump to:
    • About Paneer Pulao
    • Paneer Pulao Video
    • Paneer Pulao Ingredients
    • How to make Paneer Pulao Step by Step
    • Expert Tips
    • Serving & Storage
    • FAQS
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    About Paneer Pulao

    Paneer Pulao is a mild yet aromatic and flavorful rice meal made by cooking long grained rice with whole garam masala, onion & spices and then finally tossing fried paneer to it. Paneer is marinated with spices, fried and added which makes paneer and the pulao very flavorful.

    This Paneer Pulao is easy, healthy and is a perfect fit for lunchboxes. I often make this at home as kids love paneer in any form also it is quick to make so ideal for days when I am busy. This simple paneer pulao or paneer rice is our family favorite and our staple order when we dine out for lunch.

    Paneer Pulao needs no side dish as it tastes great on its own may be onion raita or even plain curd will be a best combo. Usually paneer is very bland when added to pulao but this marinated spices will elevate the taste of this pulao to next level.

    This freshly prepared paneer pulao tastes so good and is great for weekend lunch or dinner. Pulao or Pilaf is a one pot rice meal made with vegetables, paneer, meat etc. I have experimented many ways to make pulao and this is one of them.

    paneer pulao just cooked

    Paneer Pulao Video

    Similar Recipes

    • Cashew pulao
    • Veg Pulao
    • Millet pulao
    • Peas pulao
    • Kashmiri pulao

    Paneer Pulao Ingredients

    • Rice – Long grained basmati rice is preferred for any pulao. Rinse rice 2-3 times to remove starch from the rice. I always pre soak basmati rice and then pressure cook to get grains softer and separated.
    • Vegetables – I have used carrots and fresh peas. As we add paneer keep minimal vegetables.
    • Paneer – I have used homemade paneer, you can use homemade or store bought paneer but make sure it is fresh.
    • Spices – I have used cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, shahi jeera. Ginger garlic paste is added for flavor and green chilies for spice.
    • Herbs – Mint leaves and coriander leaves are added in minimal for a mild flavor.
    • Spice Powders – Red chili powder and garam masala powders are used.
    • Oil, Ghee – I have used both oil and ghee for tempering the spices. Ghee adds a nice aroma to this dish.
    paneer pulao ingredients

    I have made this Paneer Pulao almost the same way as veg pulao except that paneer is marinated fried and added to make the pulao more flavorful. Paneer is bland by itself but absorbs the flavors well. Paneer is added at the end to make it stay soft.

    The addition of mint leaves and coriander leaves makes the pulao aromatic. You can make paneer pulao with just paneer but to make this rice dish whole some and filling I usually add carrots and peas along with paneer.

    Paneer Pulao looks very appealing with the fried paneer pieces on top so kids will love it by the look of it. This is perfect to make for special occasions like party, get together etc.

    paneer pulao making

    How to make Paneer Pulao Step by Step

    1.First rinse 1 cup basmati rice in water well at least 2-3 times then soak it in water for 30 minutes.

    rinse and soak rice

    2.After 30 minutes drain water and set the rice aside.

    drain water and set aside

    3.To a bowl add 200 grams paneer along with salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.

    add spice powders to paneer

    4.Mix it well until the spices coat well.

    mix it well

    5.Meanwhile to a pan add little oil and shallow fry the paneer cubes in batches.

    fry in oil

    6.Fry until golden brown. Fry in batches repeat to finish. Remove the paneer cubes and set it aside.

    fry until golden brown

    7.To a pressure cooker add 2 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoon paneer fried oil and heat it up. Add 1 one inch cinnamon, 2 cloves, 2 cardamom,1 star anise and 1 small bay leaf. Then add 1 teaspoon shahi jeera. Give a quick saute.

    add whole spices for tempering

    8.Add 1 medium sized onion finely chopped along with salt and 2 green chilies.

    add onion, green chilies

    9.Saute until onions turn transparent then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.

    add ginger garlic paste

    10.Saute for a minute.

    saute for a minute

    11.Add 1/4 cup carrot, 1/3 cup green peas along with 1/4 cup mint, coriander leaves.

    add carrot, peas and herbs

    12.Saute well for 2 minutes.

    saute well for 2 minutes

    13.Add drained basmati rice and give a quick mix.

    add rice

    14.Add 2 cups water. Check and adjust salt at this stage. The water should be salty only then when rice is cooked salt will be apt.

    add water

    15.Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Switch off.

    pressure cook

    16.Add fried paneer cubes.

    add fried paneer cubes

    17.Mix it well and your paneer pulao is ready to serve!

    mix it well

    Serve it with plain curd or onion raita.

    paneer pulao served with plain curd

    Expert Tips

    • Rice – Cooking the basmati rice to perfection is the key to a great pulao both taste and texture. So be careful while cooking. Soaking and cooking gives softer grains and it doesn’t break easily.
    • Paneer – Adding paneer with the rice to cook makes the paneer rubbery so I use this method of toasting and adding it finally. Make sure to add paneer to the cooked rice immediately once pressure releases so that the flavor is well blended with rice.
    • Vegetables – You can use other vegetables like baby corn, sweet corn, mushroom, cauliflower, potato etc.
    • Spices – You can add green chili paste instead of green chilies. If you want a bright orange colored pulao then you can add 1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder along with vegetables.
    • Oil – Any cooking oil with no flavoring oil is best for pulao.

    Serving & Storage

    You can serve Paneer Pulao with plain curd or onion raita or with any gravy. I would recommend to consume Paneer Pulao fresh to enjoy the best flavor. Paneer Pulao keeps well for about 6-8 hours in room temperature and in fridge for 1 day.

    FAQS

    1.Can I toast the paneer finally and add?

    Yes you can toast the paneer finally and add it too. As I add paneer fried oil to the tempering for this pulao(which makes the rice more flavorful) – I fry the paneer first itself.

    2.Why is my paneer hard or rubbery?

    Paneer turns hard or rubbery when toasted or cooked for a long time. Use fresh paneer always.

    3.What other vegetables can I add?

    I usually add carrot and peas. You can add other vegetables like cauliflower, baby corn, mushroom, sweet corn etc.

    paneer pulao served with plain curd

    If you have any more questions about this Paneer Pulao Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Paneer Pulao Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    📖 Recipe Card

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Paneer Pulao Recipe | Paneer Rice Recipe

    Paneer Pulao is a great one pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Paneer Pulao is an ideal dish for special occasions or even lunch box as it is simple and quick to make. Learn to make Paneer Pulao Recipe with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Servings2
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup basmati rice
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 medium sized onion finely chopped
    • 2 green chilies
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • 1/4 cup carrot
    • 1/3 cup green peas
    • 1/4 cup mint coriander leaves
    • salt to taste

    For paneer marinade

    • 200 grams paneer
    • salt to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste

    To temper

    • 2 tablespoon oil
    • 2 tablespoon paneer fried oil
    • 1 one inch cinnamon
    • 2 cloves
    • 2 cardamom
    • 1 star anise
    • 1 small bayleaf
    • 1 teaspoon shahi jeera

    Instructions

    • First rinse 1 cup basmati rice in water well at least 2-3 times then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
    • After 30 minutes drain water and set the rice aside.
    • To a bowl add 200 grams paneer along with salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.
    • Mix it well until the spices coat well.
    • Meanwhile to a pan add little oil and shallow fry the paneer cubes in batches.
    • Fry until golden brown. Fry in batches repeat to finish. Remove the paneer cubes and set it aside.
    • To a pressure cooker add 2 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoon paneer fried oil and heat it up. Add 1 one inch cinnamon, 2 cloves, 2 cardamom,1 star anise and 1 small bayleaf. Then add 1 teaspoon shahi jeera. Give a quick saute.
    • Add 1 medium sized onion finely chopped along with salt and 2 green chilies.
    • Saute until onions turn transparent then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.
    • Saute for a minute.
    • Add 1/4 cup carrot, 1/3 cup green peas along with 1/4 cup mint, coriander leaves.
    • Saute well for 2 minutes.
    • Add drained basmati rice and give a quick mix.
    • Add 2 cups water. Check and adjust salt at this stage. The water should be salty only then when rice is cooked salt will be apt.
    • Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Switch off.
    • Add fried paneer cubes.
    • Mix it well and your paneer pulao is ready to serve!
    • Serve it with plain curd or onion raita.

    Video

    Notes

    • Rice – Cooking the basmati rice to perfection is the key to a great pulao both taste and texture. So be careful while cooking. Soaking and cooking gives softer grains and it doesn’t break easily.
    • Paneer – Adding paneer with the rice to cook makes the paneer rubbery so I use this method of toasting and adding it finally. Make sure to add paneer to the cooked rice immediately once pressure releases so that the flavor is well blended with rice.
    • Vegetables – You can use other vegetables like baby corn, sweet corn, mushroom, cauliflower, potato etc.
    • Spices – You can add green chili paste instead of green chilies. If you want a bright orange colored pulao then you can add 1 teaspoon kashmiri chili powder along with vegetables.
    • Oil – Any cooking oil with no flavoring oil is best for pulao.
    Nutrition Facts
    Paneer Pulao Recipe | Paneer Rice Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (150 g)
    Calories 785 Calories from Fat 324
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 36g55%
    Saturated Fat 20g125%
    Trans Fat 0.02g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 4g
    Cholesterol 83mg28%
    Sodium 1034mg45%
    Potassium 434mg12%
    Carbohydrates 89g30%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 24g48%
    Vitamin A 876IU18%
    Vitamin C 120mg145%
    Calcium 599mg60%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

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    Filed Under: Lunchbox Recipes, Paneer Dishes, Paneer Main, peas recipes, Pulao, RandomPosts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sumi

      March 13, 2012 at 4:48 pm

      very nice and subtle, Like it:)

      Reply
    2. Nisha

      March 13, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      Neat. I trust anything with Paneer 😀
      I think I'd like to pair your Paneer Pulao with your Malai Kofta Curry or Methi Matar Malai instead of a Paneer sabji 🙂

      Reply
    3. Farah

      March 13, 2012 at 5:12 pm

      lovely clicks … looks soo tasty! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Angie's Recipes

      March 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm

      A simple but very delicious dish. Love paneer!

      Reply
    5. Uma

      March 13, 2012 at 6:31 pm

      Very well. Rice grains are tempting… Perfect recipe and pictures Sharmi..

      Reply
    6. Nitha

      March 13, 2012 at 6:55 pm

      Love the clicks as usual.. yummy pulav..

      Reply
    7. Hema

      March 13, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      Very perfectly done, looks awesome..

      Reply
      • Deepa

        November 23, 2021 at 12:09 pm

        Just wanted to ask the ingredients list says 8 nos curry leaves and a small piece ? But the recipe method has no curry leaves..can u pls update what should it be

        Reply
        • Sharmilee J

          December 24, 2021 at 8:23 am

          Curry leaves is optional, if you prefer add it while tempering.

          Reply
    8. Shobha

      March 13, 2012 at 9:58 pm

      I usually make peas pulao…will add paneer next time..looks yummy.

      Reply
    9. Kanchan

      March 14, 2012 at 2:08 am

      Looks lovely and totally delicious.

      Reply
    10. Torviewtoronto

      March 14, 2012 at 2:24 am

      pulao looks wonderful

      Reply
    11. Shabitha Karthikeyan

      March 14, 2012 at 2:37 am

      Simple and Yummy one pot meal !! Nice pictures..

      Reply
    12. Prathibha

      March 14, 2012 at 2:47 am

      my kind of pulav..its very regular at my place..

      Reply
    13. M D

      March 14, 2012 at 3:46 am

      That pulao looks gorgeous! It's Wednesday morning and you are tempting me beyond anything to have this for breakfast!

      Reply
    14. Aarthi

      March 14, 2012 at 4:06 am

      very simple pulav..but i can imagine the taste of it..

      Reply
    15. Rekha shoban

      March 14, 2012 at 5:07 am

      perfectly cooked rice…..looks colourful!

      Reply
    16. My attempt at The Julie/Julia project

      March 14, 2012 at 5:15 am

      Adding peas is a wonderful idea.. love the mixture of green and white.. yummy rice…

      Reply
    17. Sangeetha Nambi

      March 14, 2012 at 5:27 am

      Looks perfect !

      Reply
    18. Kavitha Bhargav

      March 14, 2012 at 6:00 am

      Very nice clicks. Especially the second picture looks like femina's recipe page picture 🙂

      Reply
    19. priya ravi

      March 14, 2012 at 7:01 am

      Sharmi , paneer pulao looks so colorful.. Perfectly done.. Really better than the restuarant ones ..

      Reply
    20. Vimitha Anand

      March 14, 2012 at 7:30 am

      Pulao looks so yummy and delicious…

      Reply
    21. Kitchen Flavours

      March 14, 2012 at 8:05 am

      Complete one pot meal….simple and delish….

      Reply
    22. jeyashrisuresh

      March 14, 2012 at 9:20 am

      wow very nice one pot meal. Nice idea of frying the paneer separately.

      Reply
    23. Maayeka

      March 14, 2012 at 9:58 am

      very simple,delicious and fragrant rice..perfectly done ..

      Reply
    24. An Open Book

      March 14, 2012 at 10:22 am

      love anything with pulao in it..yummm

      Reply
    25. Spandana

      March 14, 2012 at 4:43 pm

      Looks very subtle, flavorful and delicious!!! very nice pics!!

      Reply
    26. Soundarya V

      March 14, 2012 at 5:40 pm

      Looks yummy and delicious..nice clicks..

      Reply
    27. Archana

      March 15, 2012 at 6:45 am

      Please move aside I want the whole dishful.:D

      Reply
    28. Anu

      March 15, 2012 at 7:23 am

      So yummy..just a perfect one..

      Reply
    29. Chitra

      March 15, 2012 at 7:49 am

      wow,Love the golden colored paneer a lot. awesome clicks.will make it for my kid..

      Reply
    30. Anu Nandu

      March 20, 2012 at 5:29 am

      I actually made something similar for dinner today – but mine was a dump all in the rice cooker and cook version. Love the simple rice recipe!

      Reply
    31. Vanamala Hebbar

      March 21, 2012 at 4:51 pm

      very nice…good for brunch

      Reply
    32. TheYummyMorsel

      March 23, 2012 at 4:31 am

      Very elegant. It makes me want some right now!

      Reply
    33. Anonymous

      May 10, 2012 at 7:18 am

      delicious…add carrot also..garnish with mint leaves too…
      sini

      Reply
    34. Tina

      December 24, 2012 at 9:15 am

      Tried this dish today.. Came out really well.. The taste was great.. Thank you for the recipe, Sharmi.. 🙂 🙂

      Reply
    35. RENU

      December 29, 2012 at 3:58 am

      it s so good n tasty thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    36. sucheta dalvi

      May 22, 2013 at 4:50 am

      I am little confused being a new comer, please clarify that I have to simply soak raw rice and directly add, or have I to cook rice SEPARATELY and add in the pulao making process.

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        May 22, 2013 at 5:32 am

        No need to cook rice seperately.Soak rice, then add and pressure cook.

        Reply
    37. sucheta dalvi

      May 24, 2013 at 3:01 am

      Please tell one more thing..In the first step of heating oil+ghee and bay leaves, it has to be done in the pressure cooker itself??

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        May 24, 2013 at 10:50 am

        Yes Yes

        Reply
    38. Ragu Ram

      January 17, 2014 at 5:45 am

      looks yummy………. my life sucks without this food varieties 🙁

      Reply
    39. Parul Vohra

      February 24, 2014 at 5:05 pm

      i hv tried it…. Its yummy…. well done (y)

      Reply
    40. Roshna Bi

      February 28, 2014 at 12:34 am

      I like this. just have a doubt, pulav means we should not add tomato. right?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        February 28, 2014 at 10:39 am

        No it is not like for pulao we dont use tomato….depends on the recipe.

        Reply
    41. janu

      February 24, 2015 at 4:30 am

      Today's breakfast s ur recipe ly…:)) the taste came out very well… but I added capsicum too… so d rice was lil orange n green color… is that due to addin capsicum??

      Reply
    42. Lakshmitha Sivaprakasam

      November 26, 2015 at 7:29 pm

      I tried this recipe. Came out soo well.. 😀 Super recipe.thanks!! 🙂

      Reply
    43. Lakshmitha Sivaprakasam

      November 26, 2015 at 7:31 pm

      Tried your recipe today!! wow its fantastic 😀 we all loved it.. thanks

      Reply
    44. Shankar

      November 05, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      Neenga yean ella recipes PDF format la add panna kudathu

      Reply
    45. Jasmine Ahmed

      July 29, 2024 at 3:59 pm

      Hello. I first referred to your paneer pulao recipe when I was in school. It may have been some 11 years ago. I kept making it at times over the years. Today after a long time, I checked the website for the recipe again and I see it has changed. I remember the older recipe used curd in it. I had never noted the recipe as I thought I could always check the website, but now that it’s gone, it makes me really upset. Could you please email me the older recipe?? I would be very grateful. The new recipe is great too I am sure, but the previous one is nostalgic. I will be eagerly waiting for the mail 😄

      Reply
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