Paneer Tikka Pulao Recipe: A Perfectly Spiced North Indian Delight
If you’re craving a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying one-pot meal that combines the rich tastes of spiced rice and succulent paneer, Paneer Tikka Pulao is the recipe you need! This delightful dish brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and tender pieces of paneer tikka, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
For those who’ve already made paneer tikka, this is an excellent way to repurpose the leftovers into something new and exciting. You can also pair it with your favorite raita for an even more delightful experience. So, let’s dive right into this delicious recipe!
Paneer Tikka Pulao Recipe: Overview
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients for Paneer Tikka Pulao
The ingredients for this dish are simple yet packed with flavor. You’ll need a few basic pantry items along with some fresh ingredients to make this aromatic rice dish.
For the Pulao:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 ½ cups |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized, chopped |
| Green chilies | 1, slit lengthwise |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cardamom | 1 pod |
| Cinnamon | 1-inch stick |
| Cloves | 2 whole |
| Bay leaves | 1 leaf |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ tsp |
| Garam masala powder | ¼ tsp |
| Oil | 2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Paneer Tikka Marinade:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (cottage cheese) | 200 grams, cubed |
| Curd (yogurt) | 2 tbsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | ½ tsp |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | ½ tsp |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tbsp |
| Coconut oil | As needed for frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~15 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~600 mg |
Instructions to Make Paneer Tikka Pulao
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Paneer Tikka Pulao. Follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll end up with a fragrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Begin by thoroughly washing the rice in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes to ensure the grains cook evenly and stay fluffy when cooked.
Step 2: Marinate the Paneer
- In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of curd, 3 teaspoons of gram flour (besan), 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon of garam masala powder, and ½ teaspoon of kasuri methi. Mix them well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the paneer cubes into the marinade and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Paneer Tikka
- Heat 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes and cook them on medium flame, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. This process should take around 8-10 minutes.
- Once done, remove the paneer from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Pulao Base
- In a large pan or pressure cooker, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pod, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf to the hot oil. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Add the chopped onion and green chilies to the pan. Cook the onions until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Spices to the Pulao
- Now, add the cooked paneer tikka pieces to the pan with the onions.
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder and ¼ teaspoon of garam masala powder over the mixture. Stir everything together to combine the spices with the paneer and onions.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
- Add the soaked rice to the pan and stir gently to mix the rice with the paneer and spices. Ensure the rice is coated well.
- Add salt to taste and pour in 3 cups of water. Stir everything once more to combine.
- If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles. If using a regular pan, cover and cook the rice on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and all the water is absorbed.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally (if using a pressure cooker).
- Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Paneer Tikka Pulao with freshly chopped coriander leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve this aromatic, spicy, and flavorful dish with a side of your favorite raita—Boondi Raita, Bhindi Raita, or Cucumber Raita—and some crispy papad.
Tips for the Best Paneer Tikka Pulao
- Use Basmati rice for the best aroma and texture. It adds to the richness of the dish and pairs wonderfully with the spiced paneer.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing or reducing the amount of red chili powder or green chilies based on your preference.
- Paneer Tikka leftovers work perfectly for this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose your extra tikka.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a tangy kick.
Pairing Suggestions
- Raita: Serve with any type of raita, such as Boondi Raita, Cucumber Raita, or even a simple Onion Raita.
- Papad: A crispy papad adds crunch and complements the soft and spicy rice beautifully.
- Pickle: For an extra zing, serve with a side of Indian pickle, such as mango or lime pickle.
Conclusion
This Paneer Tikka Pulao is an excellent choice for a filling and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. With its perfect blend of spices, rich paneer, and fluffy rice, it’s a dish that brings the best of North Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or packing it for a delightful lunchbox treat, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Enjoy this vibrant one-pot meal and share it with your family and friends for a satisfying and comforting dining experience!
