Pulao with Paneer

Pulao with Paneer is a fragrant and colorful rice dish that combines aromatic spices, fluffy basmati rice, and protein-rich paneer for a satisfying meal. This one-pot dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, delivering both flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Paneer (cubed) - 200 grams
• Onion (sliced) - 1 medium
• Green peas - 1/2 cup
• Carrot (diced) - 1 small
• Ginger-garlic paste - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Cloves - 2
• Green cardamom - 2
• Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Cooking oil or ghee - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 2 cups
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish) - a handful

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the cooking oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add diced carrots and green peas, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Gently mix to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables.
7. Pour in 2 cups of water, add turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Stir gently to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed.
9. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the cubed paneer on top of the rice, cover, and allow the steam to warm the paneer.
10. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 490
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 68 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein due to paneer, supporting muscle health.
• Contains fiber from vegetables, aiding in digestion.

Tags