Easy Paneer Pulao

Paneer pulao is an easy and delicious dish made with Indian cheese, basmati rice, and various spices. It's a super versatile dish you can serve as a main course or side dish, and it couldn't be easier to make!

This easy paneer pulao is a simple yet delicious Indian rice dish made with basmati rice, paneer cheese, vegetables and a mix of spices.

It's a satisfying and comforting dish on its own, but it also makes a great side dish for chicken or lamb dishes.

I love this vegetable pulao with paneer because it's a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein from the paneer and chickpeas, carbs from the rice and vitamins from the veggies.

You can easily make this pulao recipe vegan by substituting the panner cheese with extra firm tofu cut in cubes.

Why you'll love this easy paneer pulao

• Delicious and flavorful — The combination of fragrant basmati rice and creamy paneer creates a satisfying and super tasty meal.
• High-protein — Both paneer and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein.
• One-pot dish — Pulao is a one-pot dish that's easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, which makes it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals.

What goes into veg paneer pulao

Vegetable oil — Canola or sunflower oil are both good options here.

Cumin and mustard seeds — Frying cumin seeds and mustard seeds in a bit of oil before adding the onions

Onion — Dice the onion small, so it cooks quickly.

Aromatics — Fresh garlic and jalapeño are best here, but you can also use jarred or frozen versions if that's what you have on hand.

Green beans — You can also add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, mushrooms and bell peppers to make it more nutritious and colorful.

Paneer cheese — Paneer is a type of fresh, non-melting cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and a dense texture. Since paneer doesn't melt when heated, it's an excellent choice for this veg pulao.

Spices — I used a mix of ground cumin, ground coriander and chili powder, but you can also add ground turmeric, cinnamon or cardamom.

Chickpeas — A can of chickpeas adds extra texture and protein to this dish.

Rice — Basmati rice has the perfect texture and fragrance for this veg pulao. You don't need to soak the rice before adding it to the pan.

How to make this paneer pulao recipe

Place the vegetable oil in a large, deep pan and add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and jalapeno and continue to cook for another minute.

Add the green beans and cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the spices and continue to cook for another minute.

Next, add in the paneer cheese and stir well until it's coated in spices.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt and chickpeas, then add the rice and hot water.

Stir well to combine, then place the lid on the pot and cook for 20 minutes over low heat until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Turn off the heat, fluff the rice with a fork, then place the lid back on the pan and let it stand for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle the fresh cilantro on top of the pulao, adjust the seasoning and serve with a side salad or lemon wedges.

Leftovers and storage

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, transfer the pulao to a microwave-safe dish and reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on full power until piping hot.
• You can freeze the pulao for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind that the freezing and thawing process can change the texture of the dish.

Recipe notes and tips

• You can sauté the paneer in a little oil before adding it to the pulao. This will give the cheese a nice golden color and a crispy texture.
• Serve the pulao with a dollop of yogurt on top or with some raita.
• To make this vegetable paneer pulao extra spicy, increase the amount of jalapeno or add some red chili flakes with the spices.
• Stir in some raisins, dried apricots, cashews or almonds for extra texture and crunchiness.

If you liked this easy paneer pulao, you might also like some of my other easy one-pot recipes with rice:

• Risi e Bisi (Italian Rice and Peas)
• Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
• Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice
• Easy Indian Pilau Rice

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