Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious lunchbox option that even picky eaters will love? Look no further than Paneer Pulao! This flavorful Indian rice dish combines the creamy richness of paneer cheese with fragrant spices and fluffy basmati rice, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. It's incredibly versatile – you can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences and add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and color. Paneer Pulao is not only a fantastic lunchbox staple, but also a delightful side dish for any occasion.
This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a perfectly cooked and seasoned Paneer Pulao, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time. Ready to transform your lunchbox routine (or your dinner table!)? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this amazing dish together!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- Paneer
- Oil
- Ghee
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Cardamom
- Bay leaf
- Peppercorns
- Cumin seeds
- Onions
- Green chilies
- Carrots
- Beans
- Green peas
- Salt
- Garam masala powder
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Mint leaves
- Basmati rice
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Paneer and Aromatics
- Heat a pan with oil and fry paneer pieces until golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- In a pressure cooker, add ghee and oil. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.
- Add thinly sliced onions and slit green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Season
- Add chopped carrots, beans, and green peas. Stir, season with salt and garam masala powder.
Step 3. Combine and Cook the Rice
- Add fresh coriander, mint leaves, and fried paneer. Mix gently.
- Add washed and soaked basmati rice. Mix with the vegetables. Add enough water for cooking.
- Close the pressure cooker and cook for one whistle on medium flame.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the delicious Paneer Pulao.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- Pair with onion or cucumber raita for a perfect meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Paneer is a vegetarian cheese.
2. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, Paneer Pulao tastes even better the next day! Make it the night before and reheat it gently in the morning.
3. My child is picky. Will they like this?
Paneer Pulao is mild and flavorful, generally appealing to kids. You can adjust the spices to your child's preference. Adding peas or carrots can also increase appeal.
So there you have it – a delicious and convenient Paneer Pulao perfect for busy weeknights and packed lunches. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to processed lunchbox options. Enjoy the compliments (and the delicious leftovers)!