Flavorful Tomato Paneer Pulao: A Quick and Tasty One-Pot Delight

Introduction:

Tomato Paneer Pulao is a delightful one-pot dish that effortlessly combines the tanginess of tomatoes, the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and the aromatic blend of spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days when you crave a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's dive into the steps of creating this flavorful Tomato Paneer Pulao that will surely become a family favorite.

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Ingredients:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Paneer (cubed) - 1 cup

Tomatoes - 3 medium-sized (pureed)

Onion - 1 large (finely chopped)

Green peas - 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)

Green chili - 1 (finely chopped)

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon

Bay leaf - 1

Cinnamon stick - 1 inch

Cardamom pods - 2

Cloves - 4

Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon

Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon

Fresh coriander leaves - a handful (chopped)

Cooking oil - 2 tablespoons

Salt - to taste

Water - 2 cups

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse basmati rice in cold water and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.

Sauté Paneer:

In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Tempering:

In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Allow them to splutter.

Add Aromatics:

Add finely chopped onions, green chili, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Tomato Puree:

Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomato puree thickens and the oil starts to separate.

Spice it Up:

Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add Vegetables and Paneer:

Stir in green peas and the sautéed paneer cubes. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Rice Addition:

Add the soaked basmati rice to the pan. Stir gently to coat the rice with the tomato-spice mixture.

Water and Cooking:

Pour 2 cups of water into the pan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice cook until it's tender and the water is absorbed.

Garnish with Garam Masala:

Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle garam masala and fresh coriander leaves. Give it a gentle mix.

Serve Hot:

Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring that the paneer is evenly distributed. Serve the Tomato Paneer Pulao hot, accompanied by raita or a side salad.

Conclusion:

This Tomato Paneer Pulao is a delightful combination of vibrant flavors and textures. The juicy tomatoes, succulent paneer, and aromatic spices come together to create a wholesome and satisfying meal. With its quick preparation and delicious outcome, this pulao is a perfect addition to your repertoire of go-to recipes for a fuss-free yet tasty dining experience. Enjoy the simplicity and tastefulness of this Tomato Paneer Pulao any day of the week!