Paneer Pulao Recipe | High Protein Pulav

Paneer Pulao Recipe | How to Make Paneer Pulao | Paneer Pulav with detailed photo and video recipe. A simple and perfect lunchbox or dinner recipe made with grated paneer (cottage cheese), paneer cubes, long-grain rice, and other vegetables. This pulao recipe can be served with a choice of raita or salad, or with dal recipes.

Paneer Pulao Recipe | How to Make Paneer Pulao | Paneer Pulav with step-by-step photo and video recipe. Yet another pulao variation with the touch of paneer and other indian spices. Basically, it is prepared by cooking the rice separately, then mixing it with spiced vegetables and grated paneer. Paneer can be added either in the form of shredded paneer, cubes of paneer, or even a combination of both.

I have prepared this pulao very similar to my previous tawa pulao and matar pulao. However, I have added paneer cubes in this recipe, which gives it a unique taste and flavour. While raw paneer can also be added to this, I would heavily recommend pan-frying the paneer cubes before mixing them with rice. Moreover, I used paneer (cottage cheese) made at home and made sure it was slightly firm. Otherwise, the paneer would lose its shape while frying and mixing it with rice. Whilst homemade paneer is ideal for this recipe, you can also use store-bought one too.

While preparing paneer pulao or paneer pulao, here are some tips and variations to consider. Firstly, if you are short of time to prepare rice separately, you can mix the rice, veggies, and paneer and pressure-cook it. But be aware that if your paneer is not fresh, then it may turn hard after pressure cooking. Secondly, you can add veggies like capsicum, broccoli, beans, and cauliflower. I have kept it simple without these veggies, but you are more than welcome to improvise it. Lastly, while preparing rice, make sure it’s almost cooked, not fully cooked.

Finally, I would like to highlight my other Pulav Recipes Collection from my blog with this post of Paneer Pulao. This includes simple veg pulao, pudina pulao, dill pulao, mushroom pulao, vermicelli pulao, coconut milk pulao, coriander pulao and tomato pulao. In addition, do visit my other recipe collections, like,

• Rice Recipes Collection
• Breakfast Recipes Collection
• Paratha Recipes Collection

About Paneer Pulao

Paneer Pulao Recipe or High-Protein Pulao is a simple and flavorful rice dish. It combines soft paneer cubes, long-grain rice, and colourful vegetables. The recipe is easy to prepare and needs minimal ingredients. Each bite brings a mix of rich aroma and balanced nutrition. The pulao carries fibre from vegetables, carbs from rice, and protein from paneer. This combination makes it a wholesome and filling meal. Many serve it as a complete lunch or dinner option. It fits well in lunch boxes, tiffin meals, and kids’ school meals. Cooking it requires basic spices and light sautéing. It delivers comfort and taste in one pot.

The rice used for this pulao is often basmati for its aroma and long grains. However, sona masuri or other varieties also work well. The texture stays fluffy and fragrant when cooked properly. Adding soya chunks with paneer further boosts the protein content. It pairs well with raita or a simple salad for a balanced plate. The mild spices keep it light and suitable for all ages. It suits both busy weekdays and relaxed weekends. Fresh coriander or mint leaves enhance its freshness. The dish represents the beauty of balanced home cooking. Overall, it remains a healthy and satisfying high-protein pulao meal.

Fun Fact:

Paneer Pulao is believed to have gained popularity in North Indian kitchens as a vegetarian adaptation of traditional biryani, offering the same royal flavour with a lighter twist.

Chef Pro Tips for Paneer Pulao

Paneer Pulao Recipe, or High-Protein Pulao, is a wholesome, flavorful one-pot meal. It combines rice, vegetables, and paneer to create a protein-rich and balanced dish.

1. Rice Quality: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Soak it for twenty minutes to keep the grains long and separate.
2. Paneer Roasting: Lightly sauté paneer cubes before adding to the rice. This helps them stay firm and flavorful.
3. Flavour: Add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, and cloves. They give aroma and depth to the pulao.
4. More Protein: Mix in soaked soya chunks with paneer. It increases the protein content and makes the meal more filling.
5. Resting: Let the cooked pulao rest for five minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to settle and the rice to fluff up.

FAQs

1. Which rice works best for paneer pulao?
   Use basmati rice for long grains and aroma. You can also use sona masuri or other regular rice varieties for daily cooking.
2. How do I keep the paneer soft in pulao?
   Soak paneer cubes in warm water for a few minutes before adding. This keeps them soft and fresh even after cooking.
3. Can I add soya chunks to make it higher in protein?
   Yes, soak the soya chunks in hot water, then squeeze out the excess moisture. Add them along with paneer for a protein-rich meal.
4. How can I make the pulao more flavorful?
   Add whole spices like bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon while cooking. Fresh coriander or mint at the end enhances aroma and taste.
5. Can I pack this pulao for lunch boxes?
   Yes, it stays soft and tasty for hours. Cool slightly before packing to prevent moisture buildup.

Video Recipe

Recipe Card for Paneer Pulao

Paneer Pulao Recipe | High Protein Pulav

HEBBARS KITCHEN

Easy Paneer Pulao Recipe | How to Make Paneer Pulao | Paneer Pulav

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course pulao

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 523 kcal

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 tbsp ghee
• ▢ 1 cup paneer, cubed
• ▢ 1 tsp cumin
• ▢ 1 bay leaf
• ▢ 1 tsp cloves
• ▢ ½ javetri
• ▢ ½ tsp pepper
• ▢ 1 inch cinnamon
• ▢ 2 tbsp ginger garlic, finely chopped
• ▢ 1 onion, sliced
• ▢ 3 chilli, finely chopped
• ▢ ½ tsp turmeric
• ▢ 1 tsp garam masala
• ▢ ½ tsp cumin powder
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 3 cup water
• ▢ 1½ cup basmati rice
• ▢ 2 tsp lemon juice
• ▢ 3 tbsp coriander, finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Firstly, in a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp ghee and roast 1 cup paneer.
• Roast till the paneer turns golden brown. Keep aside.
• In the same ghee, add spices 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp cloves, ½ javetri, ½ tsp pepper, 1 inch cinnamon. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
• Now add 2 tbsp of ginger-garlic and sauté well.
• Also, add 1 onion and sauté until golden brown.
• Add 3 chillies and sauté till aromatic.
• Keeping the flame on low, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp salt. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
• Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
• Add 1½ cups of basmati rice, fried paneer, 2 tsp of lemon juice and 3 tbsp of coriander. Mix gently.
• Once the water comes to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Fluff the rice gently, making sure it's not sticky.
• Finally, enjoy Paneer Pulao Recipe with raita.

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Nutrition

Calories: 523kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 14gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 325mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 423IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 338mgIron: 2mg

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How to Make Paneer Pulao with Step-by-step Photos

1. Firstly, in a large kadai, heat 2 tbsp ghee and roast 1 cup paneer.
   
2. Roast till the paneer turns golden brown. Keep aside. In the same ghee, add spices 1 tsp cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp cloves, ½ javetri, ½ tsp pepper, 1 inch cinnamon. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
   
3. Now add 2 tbsp of ginger-garlic and sauté well.
   
4. Also, add 1 onion and sauté until golden brown.
   
5. Add 3 chillies and sauté till aromatic.
   
6. Keeping the flame on low, add ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp salt. Sauté till the spices turn aromatic.
   
7. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
   
8. Add 1½ cups of basmati rice, fried paneer, 2 tsp of lemon juice and 3 tbsp of coriander. Mix gently.
   
9. Once the water comes to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff the rice gently, making sure it’s not sticky.
   
10. Finally, enjoy Paneer Pulao Recipe with raita.
    

Notes

• Firstly, use good-quality basmati rice to get an extra-long, non-sticky texture.
• Additionally, add more green chilis to increase the spiciness.
• Also, frying the paneer will enhance its flavour.
• Finally, Paneer Pualo Recipe tastes great when prepared spicy and served hot.