The Easiest Paneer Pulao Recipe To Make At Home

Paneer pulao is such a delicious dish that many people love. It’s got a perfect mix of spices, fluffy rice & yummy chunks of paneer. What’s great about it is that it’s a vegetarian dish that still tastes amazing – vegetarians can finally enjoy pulao without sacrificing on taste. 

Adding paneer to the dish not only makes it creamy & delicious but also gives it some healthy protein. You’ve gotta try it! 

How Did The Recipe For Paneer Pulao Come To Be?

The word ‘paneer’ comes from the Persian word “panir”, which means cheese. It is said that paneer was first made in ancient India, possibly as early as 6000 BC. Over time, it became a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes, including pulao.

Pulao, on the other hand, has a long history that can be traced back to ancient Persia. It was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals. The Mughals were known for their love of rich & flavorful cuisine, & they introduced many new dishes to Indian cuisine, including pulao.

Paneer pulao is a relatively newer dish, but it has become a popular one in India & around the world. It is often served at special occasions, such as weddings & festivals, as well as in restaurants & homes. The dish is made by cooking fragrant basmati rice with spices & adding chunks of paneer to it. The result is a delicious & filling dish that is loved by vegans, vegetarians & non-vegetarians alike.

Important Tips For Cooking The Best Paneer Pulao Recipe

To cook a delicious Paneer Pulao, there are a few points you must keep in mind so that your pulao comes out amazingly tasty & smells great:

1. Basmati Rice 🍚

When it comes to making paneer pulao, using basmati rice is important for several reasons. Basmati rice has a distinct nutty flavor that compliments the spices & other ingredients in paneer pulao, & its long-grained & fluffy texture gives the dish a light & airy feel. Additionally, basmati rice has a unique aroma that adds to the overall experience of eating paneer pulao. Therefore, using basmati rice is an important aspect of making paneer pulao that helps to ensure the dish turns out delicious & authentic.

2. Whole Milk Paneer (Malai Paneer) 🥛

Using full-fat paneer in paneer pulao is important for several reasons. Full-fat paneer is made from whole milk & has a higher fat content than reduced-fat or low-fat paneer. This higher fat content results in a creamier texture & a richer taste, which enhances the flavor & overall experience of the dish. Additionally, full-fat paneer holds its shape better when cooked & is less likely to break or crumble, which is important when mixing it with the rice in paneer pulao. Using reduced-fat or low-fat paneer may result in a dry & crumbly texture that can affect the taste & presentation of the dish. Therefore, using full-fat paneer is recommended when making paneer pulao to ensure the dish is flavorful, creamy, & has a pleasing texture.

3. Right Amount Of Water 💦

Using the right amount of water is crucial when making paneer pulao because it affects the texture & flavor of the dish. If too much water is used, the rice may become mushy & overcooked, while too little water can result in undercooked, dry, & hard rice.

The ratio of water to rice is particularly important in paneer pulao, as it is a one-pot dish where the rice & paneer are cooked together. The water not only cooks the rice but also hydrates the spices & paneer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Here’s The Easiest Paneer Pulao Recipe Ever

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

• Heat oil in a pan & add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add sliced onions & sauté until they turn translucent.
• Add ginger-garlic paste & sauté for a minute.
• Add chopped tomatoes & cook until they turn mushy.
• Add cubed paneer, garam masala powder, red chili powder, & turmeric powder. Mix well & cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the soaked rice, 2 cups of water, & salt to taste. Mix well.
• Cover the pan with a lid & let it cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked & the water is absorbed.
• Once done, turn off the heat & let the pulao rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves & serve hot.

Best Dishes To Enjoy Paneer Pulao With

If you’re wondering what to eat with it, here are some delicious Indian dishes that go really well with it:

• Butter chicken: This classic North Indian dish has tender chicken in a creamy tomato-based gravy that tastes amazing with paneer pulao.

• Chana masala: If you like spicy & tangy flavors, you’ll love this chickpea curry that goes perfectly with the flavors of paneer pulao recipe.

• Palak paneer: This dish made with spinach & paneer has a creamy & rich texture that compliments the subtle flavors of paneer pulao. Well, you’re in luck because we have just the blog for you to make this dish. Check out ‘Elevate Your Palate With This Palak Paneer Recipe’.

• Baingan bharta: If you’re a fan of smoky & spicy flavors, you’ll enjoy this roasted eggplant curry that pairs well with paneer pulao recipe.

• Dal makhani: This creamy lentil curry made with black lentils & kidney beans goes really well with paneer pulao & its mild flavors.

• Raita: If you want a refreshing side dish, try raita. It’s a yogurt-based dish with veggies like cucumber, onion, & tomato that balance out the aromatic explosion of paneer pulao.

So there you have it! Your Sunday lunch scenes are sorted with this delicious paneer pulao recipe! Don’t worry about the ingredients, just order via the Milkbasket App & we will deliver you fresh ingredients from 5000+ products,  everyday by 7AM for all your master recipes & more! 

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We’re sure that your house will be filled with the beautiful aroma of rice & spices when you cook this in your kitchen!

Happy Cooking!👩‍🍳