• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Indian Cooking 101
  • Recipes
  • Media
  • Work with Me

Hooked on Heat logo

YOU ARE HERE: HOME » Recipes: Vegetarian » Vegetable Pulao with Paneer

December 11, 2013

Vegetable Pulao with Paneer

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This recipe for Vegetable Pulao with Paneer was created in partnership with Nanak Foods. All opinions, as always, are my own. I only write about and recommend products I use and love myself.

Looking back a couple of years ago, I can only smile when I think of how naive I was as a new mom. I had this crazy idea in my head that being the ardent food lover and advocate of good eating that I am, my ‘lil guy would turn out to be a food connoisseur in the making. I had visions of us carrying huge baskets filled to the brim with fresh fruits and veggies while we discussed how they were organically and locally grown – all the while meeting and greeting the growers themselves at farmer’s markets throughout the summer. I dreamt of Sunday nights where we were all seated at the table enjoying a wholesome spread of slow-cooked dishes with family and friends. I got giddy with excitement when I planned out what my weekly menus would look like – a three-course meal laden with seasonal ingredients – all fresh, made from scratch. And all this, with Baby Dear by my side nodding in agreement as I explained the benefits of everything we put into our mouths – like this Vegetable Pulao with Paneer.

Recipe for Vegetable Pulao with Paneer taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.

Baby Dear is growing, and fast. He is at that wonderful age where anything and everything piques his interest. He wants to know what, how and why; and won’t give up asking till he’s satisfied with your answers. Today, our life is anything but slow. Our summer flew by in a whirlwind, what with family visiting, impromptu weekend trips and lots of fun had in between. We didn’t make it to even ONE farmer’s market this year, although, we did go strawberry picking where Baby Dear had a wonderful time filling his basket with the biggest, juiciest and freshest strawberries he could find. We even stepped up our container gardening this year and added 4 kinds of chillies, red and green peppers and lettuce along with 2 kinds of cherry tomatoes. So while exchanging pleasantries with our local farmers was not something we could conjure up time for, Baby Dear happily went about his task of plucking fresh red tomatoes from our backyard for salads throughout the week – which paired perfectly well with this Vegetable Pulao with Paneer.


When I think of it, it was quite silly of me to think that I could even manage a freshly cooked meal each night of the week let alone a 3-course one. Most days, I still haven’t got a clue of what dinner will look like while Hubby Dear is on his way driving home from work. It’s on days like these that I thank my fully stocked freezer, whip out that bag of multi-grain chicken nuggets, slice up some fresh veggies, toast some bread and call it a sandwich night! And in all this, Baby Dear still manages to grow into a healthy, adventurous eater, and for that, I couldn’t be more thankful. So I guess I must be doing something right after all!

Let me tell you something about Baby Dear and his palate. This wee little guy is nothing if not bold with his flavour pairings – as you will see with this Vegetable Pulao with Paneer. Like any toddler, he loves his burgers – but with tons of mustard and pepper, hold the pickles, please! He prefers sharp Cheddar Cheese to the regular processed yellow stuff you get for snacking. He enjoys his Macaroni laced with hefty spoonfuls of Pesto and gorges on Hummus by the ladle. And garlic? Well, the more the better in his books! So needless to say, it wasn’t a big surprise when he declared his love for Biryani – even braving the super spicy takeout version with copious sips of water in between spoonfuls. So much so, that we even celebrated his birthday recently with my Mom making a Gulliver-sized pot of Lamb Biryani. Her plan was for there to be enough leftover for him to enjoy again. And boy did he, for the next two days, for both lunch and dinner!

Although I pride myself in cooking a mean Indian meal, there are few dishes that I that simply shrug at. Mostly because they are either too time-consuming or require ingredients that force me to drive around town for. Biryani, for me, is just one of those dishes that I’d rather get take-out. It’s laborious to begin with, and I simply can’t find the patience to cook up a pot. But I do love my Biryani as much as Baby Dear, and have been known to crave it for days on end. It’s for days like these that I came up with this Vegetable Pulao with Paneer recipe. Now, while this is nothing close to the real thang, it’s an amazing addition to your repertoire. Use it when you want that something rich and comforting, yet have less time on your hands. Try it out and let me know what you think.

Recipe for Vegetable Pulao with Paneer taken from www.hookedonheat.com. Visit site for detailed recipe.
Print Recipe

Vegetable Pulao with Paneer

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4
Author: Meena, www.hookedonheat.com

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp light cooking oil
  • 1 medium-sized onion thinly sliced
  • 500 gms paneer cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 cups mixed frozen veggies thawed
  • 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp dried mint leaves
  • 2 cups Basmati rice rinsed thoroughly
  • salt to taste
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a deep non-stick pan on medium-low heat and saute onions till tender and lightly browned. Add paneer, and fry till it starts to brown along the edges. Make sure to stir continuously so that the paneer does not burn.
  • Add in the mixed veggies, spices and dried mint, and fry for a couple of minutes.
  • Add in rice and salt, and stir well to coat each grain with oil and spices. Pour in water, cover, and cook for 15 minutes till all the water evaporates and the rice is cooked through.

If you enjoyed this recipe, then you will surely love my Mushroom & Peas Pulao recipe as well.

Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat

Related Posts:

  • Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)
    Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)
  • Palak Paneer (Paneer with Spinach)
    Palak Paneer (Paneer with Spinach)
  • How I Meal Plan and a recipe for Quick Instant Pot Chicken Pulao
    How I Meal Plan and a recipe for Quick Instant Pot…
  • Keema Matar Pulao (Ground Meat & Peas Pilaf)
    Keema Matar Pulao (Ground Meat & Peas Pilaf)

Filed Under: 30-Minutes or Less!, Kids Lunchbox Ideas, Recipes: Vegetarian

Previous Post: « Rajma
Next Post: Jeera Pulao (Cumin Pilaf) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Priti says

    January 4, 2014 at

    5 stars
    Very Nice.

    Reply
  2. Hari Chandana says

    December 12, 2013 at

    5 stars
    Awesome and delicious combination.. looks perfect!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

LET’S CONNECT

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get to know me

I would love to show you how simple, delicious and quick family-friendly meals can be created in a heart beat. Read more about me here ...

Never miss a recipe!

Share your email address to be notified of new posts and tons of delicious inspiration!

* indicates required

New to Indian Cooking?

Looking for something?

Some of my Clients

Need Inspiration?

Need More Dinner Ideas? Try these!

Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Everyday Instant-Pot Dal
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
Sweet Potato & Chicken Coconut Curry
Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Mushroom & Peas Pulao
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Tofu Garlic Noodles
Alu Chana
Alu Chana

hookedonheat

Meena | Indian-inspired Food
I love making a one-pot meal that combines my prot I love making a one-pot meal that combines my protein, grains and veggies on busy weeknights. This Keema Matar Pulao recipe is what I often fall back on when I need a quick, nutritious and tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it with some Raita or a Salad on the side. Recipe linked in profile. @ontariovealappeal #sponsored #vealathome #ontarioveal #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #keemapulao
Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit wi Do you have a secret recipe that's always a hit with everyone that you can make at the drop of a hat? These Spinach and Cheese Croissants are super easy and quick, and hardly requires any work at all! Head to the post for some fun ideas on how you can make this New Year’s Eve extra special for you family! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #sponsored #hellofresh #spinachcroissants
It’s mid-week... which just means that the energ It’s mid-week... which just means that the energy levels for most of us are slowly dying out. It’s also snowing outside, which means that a warm comfort meal ranks high on the wishlist! My simple solution – a one-pot meal like this Instant Pot Tomato Rice warming enough to drive away those heebee-jeebees! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #pantrycooking #instantpotrecipes #tomatorice #ricerecipes
This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick This is my go-to Chicken Curry recipe for a quick and hearty weeknight meal... perfect to drive away the Monday blues. And it hits the spot every time! Dahiwali Chicken Curry, recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #chickencurry
Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya Here’s a big bowl full of crispy homemade Gujiya to make your Diwali even sweeter this year. A very happy Diwali from us to you all! 😃
Here's wishing each and every one of you a very ha Here's wishing each and every one of you a very happy Diwali! :)

This Paneer Biryani recipe is perfect for your family meal this Diwali. The recipe does require a bit of prep work in advance, but it can all be done simultaneously and I promise you, that little extra effort is well worth it in the end. Trust me! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #paneerrecipes #biryani
One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali thi One special request from Hubby Dear for Diwali this year was Masala Mathri – crisp fried spicy cookies. They’re absolutely addicting and no one can really stop at one! These lovely treats can be stored in an air-tight container for about 2-3 weeks. That is if you resist them that long! Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #mathri
Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them Samosas are my weakness, and I grew up having them almost every weekend. They’re also a crowd pleaser and a must-have on my Diwali menu. If you’d like to try your hand at making them, then I have a few simple and really tasty recipes on the blog. It was an absolute treat to have these with my coffee over the weekend! Mint-Potato Samosas, #recipe linked in profile. What’s on your Diwali menu this year? #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #diwalirecipes #samosas
Isn’t it the perfect morning for some lip-smacki Isn’t it the perfect morning for some lip-smacking Chole-Bhature? This recipe for my Instant Pot Chole (Chickpeas Curry), is one that I often serve at my dinner parties. It's quick, simple enough to put together in a matter of minutes and absolutely delicious. Recipe linked in profile. #hookedonheat #HOHkitchen #homecooked #indianfood #foodblogger #inmykitchen #homecooking #indiancooking #recipeontheblog #whatsfordinner #pantrychallenge #pantrycooking #quickrecipes #indianrecipes #gharkakhana #desifood #simplerecipes #diwalifood #cholebhature #chole #chickpeacurry
Follow ME on Instagram

ALL CONTENT INCLUDING IMAGES © 2020 · HOOKED ON HEAT by MEENA AGARWAL.