Servings:

Paneer Pulao (Paneer Pilaf)

Paneer Pulao, or Paneer Pilaf, is a fragrant rice pilaf made with grilled paneer

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 20 min
Servings: 6
Paneer Pulao (Paneer Pilaf)

Ingredients

  • 12 oz paneer, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes ((340 grams))
  • 1 cup Basmati rice ((200 grams) rinsed at least 3 times)
  • 2 Tbsp cashews
  • 3 Tbsp ghee (separated)
  • 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup carrot (chopped)
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves
  • 1" piece cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Tbsp garlic (chopped finely)
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika)
  • 1 green chili (chopped, or to taste)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pinch saffron (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp of ghee in a non-stick pan. Add paneer cubes. Sprinkle with salt to season and saute until golden on all sides. Remove the paneer and set aside.

  2. In the same pan the paneer was in, add the cashews and let toast lightly. Set those aside as well.

  3. Heat 2 Tbsp of ghee in the Instant Pot on saute mode or in a pressure cooker. Once it shimmers, add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Stir and let cook for 20 seconds.

  4. Add onions and carrots. Cook until softened.

  5. Add garlic, tomato paste, and garam masala. Stir. Then add the rice and let it toast for about a minute, stirring often.

  6. Add the chili powder, green chilies, salt, peas, paneer, cashews, and water. Stir.

  7. Cook under pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release. Then add lemon juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Protein: 12
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3
  • Cholesterol: 57
  • Sodium: 76
  • Potassium: 208
  • Fiber: 3
  • Sugar: 3
  • Vitamin A: 1927
  • Vitamin C: 10
  • Calcium: 312
  • Iron: 1