- August 26, 2025
Paneer Pulao Recipe – A Flavorful One-Pot Indian Delicacy
When it comes to quick yet wholesome meals, Paneer Pulao Recipe always wins hearts. Imagine the aroma of basmati rice cooking with fragrant spices, soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and fresh vegetables – all in one pot. Whether you’re looking for an easy paneer pulao recipe for a weekday dinner, a restaurant style paneer pulao for guests, or a healthy paneer pulao recipe for kids’ tiffin, this dish fits every occasion.
In Indian households, pulao is more than food – it’s comfort in a bowl. Adding paneer makes it even more nutritious and filling. This one pot paneer pulao is not just a quick meal but also a paneer rice recipe that pairs beautifully with raita, salad, or curry.
we’ll cover everything about how to make paneer pulao, variations like paneer matar pulao or paneer pulao with vegetables, tips for a fluffy paneer pulao, serving ideas, paneer pulao nutrition, and FAQs.
Why You’ll Love Paneer Pulao
It’s a quick paneer pulao – ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for lunch box, dinner, or festive meals.
A healthy paneer pulao recipe loaded with protein-rich paneer and seasonal veggies.
Can be made in pressure cooker, instant pot, or on stovetop.
Works as a complete vegetarian paneer pulao one pot meal.
Ingredients for Paneer Pulao
Here are the basic paneer pulao ingredients you need:
Basmati rice – 1 cup (soaked for 20 minutes for fluffy texture)
Paneer (cottage cheese) – 200g (cut into cubes)
Peas – ½ cup (fresh or frozen, for paneer matar pulao)
Mixed vegetables – carrots, beans, capsicum (optional for paneer pulao with vegetables)
Onion – 1 large (sliced)
Tomato – 1 medium (chopped)
Green chilies – 2 (slit)
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
Whole spices – bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste
Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp
Water – 2 cups
Fresh mint & coriander leaves – for garnish
👉 Tip: For restaurant style paneer pulao, lightly fry paneer cubes until golden before adding.
How to Make Paneer Pulao – Step by Step
This paneer pulao step by step method ensures you get soft rice grains and perfectly flavored paneer.
Step 1: Prep Work
Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
Cut paneer into cubes. For extra flavor, shallow fry until golden.
Chop vegetables and keep spices ready.
Step 2: Tempering the Spices
Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or instant pot.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Let them splutter.
Step 3: Sauteing the Base
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
Add chopped tomato and cook until soft.
Step 4: Adding Veggies & Paneer
Add peas, carrots, beans, or capsicum for paneer pulao with vegetables.
Stir in fried paneer cubes.
Step 5: Spices & Rice
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Add soaked rice and gently mix.
Step 6: Cooking the Pulao
Add 2 cups water (for 1 cup rice).
Cover and cook:
Pressure cooker – 1 whistle on medium flame.
Instant pot paneer pulao – 5 minutes on “Pressure Cook” mode.
Stovetop pan – cook covered until rice is fluffy.
Step 7: Garnishing
Fluff rice gently with a fork.
Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.
Your fluffy paneer pulao is ready! Serve hot with raita or salad.
Variations of Paneer Pulao Recipe
Paneer Matar Pulao – Add extra peas for a classic combo.
Paneer Pulao with Vegetables – Mix carrots, beans, capsicum for a nutritious twist.
Restaurant Style Paneer Pulao – Use ghee, whole spices, and fried paneer.
Healthy Paneer Pulao Recipe – Use brown rice or quinoa instead of basmati rice.
Paneer Pulao for Party – Garnish with fried cashews, raisins, and saffron strands.
Paneer Pulao North Indian Style – Add garam masala and fresh cream for richness.
One Pot Paneer Pulao – Perfect for busy days, cook everything in a single pressure cooker/instant pot.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Pulao is versatile and pairs well with:
Raita – boondi raita, cucumber raita, or mint raita.
Curry – paneer butter masala, dal tadka, or rajma.
Salad – onion cucumber salad with lemon.
Papad & pickle – to complete the Indian thali.
For parties, serve paneer pulao with mint chutney and salad.
Chef Tips for Perfect Paneer Pulao
Always soak basmati rice before cooking to make it fluffy.
Fry paneer lightly to avoid breaking while cooking.
Use ghee instead of oil for authentic flavor.
Don’t over-stir after adding rice; this prevents mushiness.
Add a handful of mint leaves for freshness.
For quick paneer pulao, use frozen peas and pre-cut paneer.
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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
This makes it a balanced paneer pulao healthy diet meal.
FAQs about Paneer Pulao Recipe
1. Can I make paneer pulao without vegetables?
Yes! A simple paneer rice recipe with just paneer, rice, and spices tastes amazing.
2. Can I make paneer pulao without frying paneer?
Absolutely. Add raw paneer directly, but frying gives better texture.
3. Which rice is best for paneer pulao?
Basmati rice is preferred for fluffy paneer pulao, but you can also use sona masoori or brown rice.
4. Can I cook paneer pulao in an Instant Pot?
Yes, follow the same recipe and cook on Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes.
5. Is paneer pulao good for kids’ lunch box?
Yes, it’s a healthy paneer pulao recipe high in protein and loved by kids.
6. Can I make paneer pulao without onion and garlic?
Yes, for fasting or satvik meals, skip onion and garlic, and add ginger, green chili, and whole spices.
7. Can I add dry fruits to paneer pulao?
Yes! Cashews and raisins make it a paneer pulao for party version.
Interesting Facts
Paneer Pulao Recipe is a timeless Indian dish that brings together paneer, rice, peas, and aromatic spices into a wholesome one-pot meal. Whether you want a quick paneer pulao for lunch box, a restaurant style paneer pulao for guests, or a healthy paneer pulao recipe for everyday meals, this dish will never disappoint.
It’s versatile, delicious, and full of flavors. So next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the takeout and try this easy paneer pulao recipe at home.
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