Fragrant Paneer Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Fragrant Paneer Rice recipe—a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, tender basmati rice, and golden cubes of paneer. Infused with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, every spoonful bursts with flavor, while a touch of yogurt adds creaminess and depth. The dish is perfectly balanced with the addition of sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, enhanced by the vibrant pop of fresh cilantro and optional toasted cashews for a delightful crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy, one-pot dish is a satisfying vegetarian meal that's perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Serve it warm to enjoy the full medley of its rich Indian-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 200 grams Paneer (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (or oil)
- 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
- 1 small Green chili (slit lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 2 Cardamom pods
- 3 Cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 10 Cashews (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add cubed paneer and sauté until golden on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté for another minute.
Mix in the yogurt, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan, gently stirring to coat the grains in the spice mixture.
Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and allow it to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and mix in the sautéed paneer cubes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted cashews, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Fragrant Paneer Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 193.3 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.0 g | 325% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 2512 mg | 109% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 175.9 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 100.2 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1320 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 29.9 mg | 166% | |
| Potassium | 2814 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
