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Paneer Pulao in Pressure Cooker | Non mushy rice, easy recipe

This is a recipe for the simplest Paneer Pulao ever! It’s made in a pressure cooker, has no grinding and yes, paneer will be soft :)!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword 30 minute meals, paneer, pulao
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients

  • ½ cup basmati rice I use India Gate Premium basmati and love the texture for pressure cooker pulaos.
  • ½ cup paneer chopped into chunks/slices as you prefer
  • ½ tsp chilli powder and salt for frying the paneer
  • few cashews to garnish
  • 1-2 tbsp ghee/oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 piece star anise
  • 1 medium onion sliced about 1/2 cup of onions
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 2 slit green chillies
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup frozen peas optional
  • 1 cup water hot boiling water is ideal
  • handful of coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Soak basmati rice in water. I used 1/2 cup rice to serve two people, so all measures below are for that quantity. You can double it easily.
  • Slice 1/2 cup paneer into small chunks, pan fry in oil until golden brown. Remove, sprinkle some chilli powder and salt. Keep aside. In the same pan, fry some cashews and remove.
  • To a pressure cooker (I use 2L), add 1 tbsp ghee and 1 star anise, 1 tap cumin and sauté for 15 seconds. 
  • Now add 1 onion sliced thin, 2 slit chilies, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and cook for 3-4 minutes. 
  • Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, half cup frozen peas, handful of chopped coriander leaves and 1 cup water.
  • Once the water comes to a boil, add the soaked and drained rice, fried paneer cubes and close the cooker. 
  • Cook for 1 whistle on medium heat and reduce flame to low and turn off after 2 minutes.  The whole process will take you only 6-7 minutes of cooking. 
  • Let pressure settle fully, open and top with fried cashews, more coriander and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure you soak basmati rice so it can cook in minimal time. I use India Gate Premium basmati rice
  • Frying paneer helps for texture but the key to ensure it doesn’t get rubbery is to only cook it for a limited time
  • Soaking paneer in hot water prior to pan frying helps to keep it soft
  • Paneer can be substituted with mushrooms/tofu.
  • I don’t add a lot of spices in my cooking, so the flavour of star anise and cumin is sufficient for my tastes. If you prefer, can add 1 tsp garam masala. Do not be tempted to add bayleaf, cinnamon etc making it a complex flavoured rice.