Palak paneer pulao is a simple, aromatic, flavor packed meal or a great side that is perfect to serve for any occasion. The flavor, color, and the nutrition makes this the best of all.
About palak paneer pulao
This palak paneer pulao, a rice based dish is made with palak aka spinach, peas and paneer which give it a well balanced nutrition profile which is a win-win situation for all people. In other words, this is a complete meal in one pot.
Spinach brings iron, vitamins, and fiber while paneer adds protein and calcium, and rice adds comfort and balance. It's an easy way to pack in nutrients without making a separate sabzi or curry.
This recipe doesn't require anything fancy. It's budget-friendly and easy to make. It is a great option for lunchbox and weeknight dinner.
This palak panner pulao is a fun twist on the tasty curry in a rice form. This will be loved by everyone across all age groups. This would be a delicious addition to your holiday table as you have spinach based rice side to serve.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful palak paneer pulao, the following ingredients are essential:
Basmati rice - Fragrant long grain basmati rice imparts the best aroma and the rice has a perfect texture for pulao. Any rice could be swapped to make this pulao.
Spinach - fresh spinach is used on this recipe that boosts color as well as nutritional value.
Cashew - Nutty and adds texture. For a nut free version, this can be omitted.
Salt - Gives flavor.
Water - to cook rice.
Paneer - this semi-soft non melting cheese has a chewy and creamy texture and enhances protein.
Green peas - Frozen green peas are used in this recipe that adds to the protein profile. Fresh peas can also be used.
Onion, ginger, garlic - These add to the aroma and flavor.
Spices - Bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, whole black cardamom, star anise, and cumin add to the flavor and aroma.
Thai green chili - This adds to the spicy heat. The count of chilies can be adjusted based on flavor preference and heat tolerance.
Servings
This recipe can easily feed hungry persons as this is a complete meal by itself. When serving as a side, this can serve up to 12 people or more depending on individual choice for portions. Hence, this is a perfect one to make for entertaining this holiday season.
Variations
For variations, try different grains, but make sure to adjust water quantities for perfect cooking. Instead of paneer, replace it with tofu for a vegan version.
Storage
I store any leftovers in the fridge for upto two to three days in the refrigerator. When needed, I warm the pulao in microwave and serve with raita, yogurt, or chips.
If you are planning to serve this for a get together, I recommend making it earli and storing in the refrigerator to make entertaining easier.
More Greens recipes
Basically, I like simple and easy meals that are nutritious too. This spinach pulao is a great one to have in your menu often for its simplicity, taste, and nutrition. Spinach and Paneer Orzo Pasta is a similar version, but one-pot pasta meal that is equally comforting. If you love the palak paneer curry, you should try this palak paneer cornbread too! It is so tasty - a great holiday side or everyday meal just like this palak paneer pulao.
Yet another tasty and protein packed meal is the multigrain and power greens Power Khichdi, which is simpoly out of the world. This no onion no garlic version of Kale Channa and Paneer Pulao is a great one to make if you have guests with food restrictions. These can be a great side for any occasion.
Creamy Kale and corn and Creamy Vegan Spinach and Baby Corn Curry are great ones to make as a side. Check at the end of this post for delicious holiday Sidedish recipes shared by fellow bloggers.
More Rice based recipes
Rice is a grain that brings comfort. Adjust serving size as per your dietary needs and try the following recipes:
More Pulao Recipes
Pulao is a fragrant one pot meal with rice, veggies (or meat) with aromatic spices and herbs. It is easy to make and provides a comforting meal. You can make pulao with your kitchen pantry staples or even out of cans, try this pulao using canned ingredients.
Palak Paneer Pulao
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Rice
- 4 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 inch piece Cinnamon
- 3 Cardamom
- 4-5 Cloves
- 2 Bayleaves
- 2 Star anise
- 1¼ cup Onions sliced
- 5 or 6 cloves Garlic
- 2 inch piece Ginger
- 2 to 6 Thai green chili
- 5 cups Spinach
- 2 cups Water
- 1¼ cup Paneer diced
- 1 cup Peas
- 1¾ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Wash and soak the rice for 15 minutes.
- Grind ginger, garlic, Thai chili to a smooth puree with 2-3 tablespoons water.
- Heat three tablespoons of oil and fry the cashews until golden brown set aside. To the same oil, add the spices and fry for 30 seconds.
- Add onions and saute for 4 minutes until onion begins to turn translucent. Add the ginger-garlic-green chile paste and sauté until nice aroma appears.
- Drain the rice and add it to the onion mixture and saute for 2 minutes.
- In the meantime, puree spinach with a cup of water.
- Add the spinach puree, rinse the blender with another cup of water and add it to the rice, followed by frozen peas and salt. Mix well, cover and cook for 7 minutes until 70% of the water is absorbed by the rice.
- In the meantime, pan-fry the paneer cubes with a tablespoon of oil.
- Add it to the rice, mix, cover, lower the flame and cook for 15 minutes. Switch off the flame and let it sit in its steam for another 10 minutes.
- Add the fried cashews, gently fluff with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, serve hot or warm with raita.
More Side Dish Recipes:
- Apple Pomegranate Salad from Art of Natural Living
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Balsamic, & Brown Sugar from The Spiffy Cookie
- Cheesy Grits Souffle from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Bacon Cornbread Casserole from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Grape and Pineapple Salad from Palatable Pastime
- No Knead Dinner Rolls from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Palak Paneer Pulao from Magical Ingredients
- Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan Cheese from Blogghetti
- Savory Canned Pumpkin Drop Biscuits from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Lisa says
Always looking for more rice based dishes and this one sounds delicious!
Wendy Klik says
Loving the flavor profile of this rice, and those toasted cashews really caught my attention.
magicalingrdnts says
Cashews add a great texture and give proteins too. Thanks Wendy.
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
What a delicious way to eat your spinach!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
Mmmmmmmm...I love this everything about this, especially the peas and cashews! Sounds lovely!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Colleen.
Hezzi-D says
This looks really flavorful and tasty!
Christie says
I love that there's spinach in this and not cilantro! So many pulao recipes have cilantro and I can't eat it. This looks so delicious and a very colorful recipe for the holidays.
Inger says
I always struggle to find tasty starchy sides so love this! Great that it can double as a main dish too.
Neha (My Culinary Expressions) says
Such a flavorful palak paneer pulao. The fried / sautéed cashews and paneer surely add crunch and color to the pulao. This recipe makes me want to create another palak-paneer-inspired recipe after having enjoyed palak paneer by itself.
magicalingrdnts says
We love palak paneer and inspired by our love for that curry, I make this pulao often as a quick and comforting meal fix. You will love this pulao Neha!
Kalyani says
My kids will love this flavour packed One Pot rice - palak paneer pulav . I am getting into making this dish over this weekend.
magicalingrdnts says
It is our kids favorite too! Your family will love it. Thanks Kalyani.
Mayuri Patel says
Yummy, love palak rice. Can have it any time any day. I usually make mine with peas and corn. Next time I am going to add paneer to make it more filling and protein rich. Lovely, photos.
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, anytime meal option that is easy and comforting. Thanks Mayuri!
Archana says
This is the perfect palak pulao for lazy weekend brunches, not just Holidays. I will add some corn too.
magicalingrdnts says
Corn is a great addition. Veggies can also be added. This is a great and easy meal option. Thanks Archana for visiting.
Priya Srinivasan says
Wow look at that gorgeous color of that palak paneer pulao. Brilliant . Love such quick and easy recipes for lazy days. Definitely this is getting into our weekend menu.
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, Priya! One pot meal makes life easier on busy days. Thanks for visiting and adding to your weekly menu.
Priya vj says
Oh wow..the pulao has such vibrant green color from the palak . The perfectly roasted paneer and cashews are the highlight and will make everyone crave for another serving of palak Paneer pulao