• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook's Hideout
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Recipes by Category
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Rice » Biryani & Pulao » Paneer Pudina Pulao

    Instant Pot Paneer Pulao | Video

    Published: Jan 4, 2022 · Modified: Oct 11, 2022 by Pavani · 21 Comments

    12 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Looking for an easy pulao recipe? Then try this spicy one-pot Paneer pudina pulao. Fresh mint, cilantro and whole spices add tons of flavor to every bite of the pulao.

    Instant pot or pressure cooker makes it a perfect weeknight dish. I have also included stove top instructions. Serve as is or with raita for a delicious meal.

    White bowl with Pudina Paneer Pulao

    Table of contents

    • About the Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • You might also like
    • Recipe Card

    About the Recipe

    Paneer is a protein-rich ingredient that I try to incorporate into my family's diet at least once a week. I use it to make paneer lasagna or as a filling for dosa and even make paneer fried rice.

    This paneer pulao with pudina is one of my favorite quick and easy meals. Idea for this mint rice recipe came when I had a ton of mint leaves to use up. It has become a family favorite ever since.

    White bowl with Mint rice

    Th best part of this pulao recipe is how easy it is to make. All of the whole spices and herbs are ground together to make a spice paste. Rice is then cooked in this spicy broth. This adds a ton of flavor to every bite of the pulao.

    I add fresh cilantro leaves along with pudina to make this mint coriander rice. But you can adjust the amount of either herbs to suit your taste preferences.

    Also feel free to add chopped vegetables to this pudina rice recipe to make this a complete meal. Serve with raita and tomato pickle for a delicious meal.

    Top view of a white bowl with Paneer Pulao

    Ingredients

    For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make this pudina paneer pulao recipe:

    • Paneer - either store bought or homemade.
    • Rice - I recommend using basmati rice for its aroma and texture. But feel free to use any medium or long grain rice you have on hand.
    • Herbs - Fresh mint and cilantro/ coriander leaves
    • Whole spices - cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick
    • Garam masala
    • Green chilies, ginger, garlic and onions
    • Lime/ lemon juice

    In addition, feel free to add chopped vegetables like potato, carrot, green beans, green peas etc.

    Ingredients needed - details in recipe card

    Instructions

    For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here is how to make this delicious Instant Pot pulao recipe with mint and paneer:

    Combine rice and water in a bowl. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

    In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, green chilies, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick and herbs. Blend to a coarse paste consistency. Add just enough water, if needed, for the blades to move. Set aside.

    Select 'Sauté' and when the pot is hot, melt the ghee/ unsalted butter/ oil. Add onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 2~3 minutes or until it smells aromatic.

    Add the turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, paneer and soaked rice along with the soaking water. Stir to combine. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned stuck bits.

    Cooking onions, spice paste and paneer in Instant pot

    Place the lid on, lock it, and close the steam valve. Turn off Sauté mode and select 'Manual/ High-Pressure' and set the timer for 5 minutes.

    When the timer sounds, natural release the steam for 10 minutes, quick release the remainder. Open the pressure cooker and gently fluff the rice. Serve hot.

    Before and after cooking
    White bowl with Instant pot paneer rice

    Expert Tips

    • I recommend using basmati rice to make this pulao. But you can also make it with other medium or long grain rice. Just make sure to adjust the water in the recipe accordingly.
    • If you are not a big fan of mint, then add more cilantro or completely omit mint.
    • To make this a more wholesome dish, add 2 cups of chopped vegetables along with paneer. Potato, carrot, green beans, green peas etc. are all amazing in this pulao.
    • To make this vegan pulao, you can substitute paneer with tofu and sub oil for ghee.
    • Substitute paneer with cooked beans like chickpeas or black-eyed peas for another delicious twist to this mint pulao recipe.
    • If making the recipe on the stove top, resist the urge to open the lid to peek in while the rice is cooking.

    You might also like

    Here are a few more paneer recipes that you might like:

    • Indian Paneer Curry Recipe with Beans
    • Green Paneer Curry | How to make Paneer Masala without Tomato
    • Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe | Restaurant Style
    • Aloo Methi Paneer Curry Recipe
    White bowl with Paneer pudina pulao

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Recipe Card

    White bowl with Instant pot paneer rice

    Instant Pot Paneer Pulao

    Paneer pudina pulao is a spicy and flavorful one-pot meal. Instant pot or pressure cooker makes it a perfect weeknight dish. Video Recipe!!
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 30 mins
    Pressure Release:: 10 mins
    Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: north indian
    Servings: 6 serving

    Ingredients

    • 1½ cups Basmati Rice, rinsed and drained
    • 1¾ cups Water (use 2 cups of water if cooking on stove top)
    • 1" Ginger piece, coarsely chopped
    • 3 Garlic cloves
    • 3~4 Green chilies, adjust as per your taste preference
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
    • 3 Cardamom pods
    • 1" Cinnamon stick
    • 4 Whole Cloves
    • 2 cups Fresh Mint leaves, packed
    • ½ cup Fresh Cilantro, packed
    • 3 tablespoons Ghee or Unsalted butter or Canola Oil
    • 1 Medium Onion, thinly sliced
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
    • 2 teaspoons Garam masala or Pulao/ Biryani masala
    • To taste Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Lime/ Lemon juice
    • 2 cups Cubed Paneer

    Instructions

    • Combine rice and water in a bowl. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
    • In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, green chilies, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick and herbs. Blend to a coarse paste consistency. Add just enough water, if needed, for the blades to move. Set aside.

    Instant Pot Method:

    • Select 'Sauté' and when the pot is hot, melt the ghee/ unsalted butter/ oil. Add onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 2~3 minutes or until it smells aromatic. Add the turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, paneer and soaked rice along with the soaking water. Stir to combine. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned stuck bits.
    • Place the lid on, lock it, and close the steam valve. Turn off Sauté mode and select 'Manual/ High-Pressure' and set the timer for 5 minutes.
    • When the timer sounds, natural release the steam for 10 minutes, quick release the remainder. Open the pressure cooker and gently fluff the rice. Serve hot.

    Stove-top Method:

    • Heat a medium size pan on medium heat. Melt ghee/ unsalted butter/ oil. Add onion and cook for 3~4 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Stir in the ground paste and cook for 2~3 minutes or until it smells aromatic. Add the turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, paneer and soaked rice along with the soaking water. Stir to combine.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat. Then lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan and cook till all of the water is evaporated. This takes about 12~15 minutes.*
    • Leave it covered for 5~10 minutes. Then gently fluff the rice. Serve hot.

    Video

    Notes

    • I recommend using basmati rice to make this pulao. But you can also make it with other medium or long grain rice. Just make sure to adjust the water in the recipe accordingly.
    • If you are not a big fan of mint, then add more cilantro or completely omit mint.
    • To make this a more wholesome dish, add 2 cups of chopped vegetables along with paneer. Potato, carrot, green beans, green peas etc. are all amazing in this pulao.
    • To make this vegan pulao, you can substitute paneer with tofu and sub oil for ghee.
    • Substitute paneer with cooked beans like chickpeas or black-eyed peas for another delicious twist.
    • If making the recipe on the stove top, resist the urge to open the lid to peek in while the rice is cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 434mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

    More Biryani & Pulao

    • Achari Vegetable Pulao | Instant Pot Recipe
    • Methi Chana Pulao | Instant Pot Recipe
    • Brinjal Pulao Recipe | Video
    • Instant Pot Bagara Rice Recipe
    12 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. DivyaGCP

      July 12, 2012 at 3:01 am

      Delicious and flavorful pulao.Divya's Culinary JourneyShowcase- FUN IN THE SUNBake along challenge # 4 - Peanut Butter

      Reply
    2. Nithya

      July 12, 2012 at 3:29 am

      Pulao looks damn delicious 🙂 Drooling. I just posted a different version of it yesterday 🙂

      Reply
    3. Global Tastes & Travels Inc.

      July 12, 2012 at 4:24 am

      nice and colorful...looks so good

      Reply
    4. Global Tastes & Travels Inc.

      July 12, 2012 at 4:24 am

      nice and colorful...looks so good

      Reply
    5. Unknown

      July 12, 2012 at 5:09 am

      Love your presentation as well as the pulao. I love mint flavor especially in rice dishes and this one looks fab. Jayanthi(www.sizzlingveggies.com)

      Reply
    6. Priya Suresh

      July 12, 2012 at 8:34 am

      Wish to have this super flavourful pulao for my lunch rite now. Full of flavours.

      Reply
    7. Kamalika

      July 12, 2012 at 8:37 am

      Very flavorful rice...

      Reply
    8. Usha Rao

      July 12, 2012 at 1:42 pm

      I am lazy to wash an extra dish. I don't spread the rice in a wide plate or bowl to cool the rice. Biryani looks very flavorful & delicious!

      Reply
    9. preeti garg

      July 12, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      Awesome....i can feel aroma of spices and mint

      Reply
    10. Gayathri's Cook Spot

      July 12, 2012 at 3:45 pm

      Irresistible pulao...

      Reply
    11. Nalini's Kitchen

      July 12, 2012 at 9:17 pm

      Healthy and colorful pulao.....

      Reply
    12. Cool Lassi(e)

      July 13, 2012 at 3:13 am

      Umm.. simply delicioso!

      Reply
    13. Harini-Jaya Rupanagudi

      July 13, 2012 at 3:21 am

      flavorful pulao! love fresh mint in all the pulaos!

      Reply
    14. rekhas kitchen

      July 13, 2012 at 6:54 am

      Nice flavor full pulao pavani looks so inviting..

      Reply
    15. Srivalli

      July 13, 2012 at 8:40 am

      Oh my the entire presentation looks so beautiful Pavani..and yes I won't have minded reading that long winding title as well..would have sound good..:)..love your fresh mint leaves, as I have noticed we don't get that variety of mint in india..so pretty it looks..

      Reply
    16. Pavani

      July 15, 2012 at 8:14 pm

      Thank you Valli. I didn't realize the mint that we get here is different from the one in India. mmmmmm interesting.

      Reply
    17. Vandana

      January 17, 2022 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      The combination of ingredients that you have used in this recipe sounds so delicious. The photographs are also very tempting, can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    18. Mayuri Patel

      January 17, 2022 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      Paneer Pudina Pulao is so tasty, and looks so inviting. Like how quickly it comes together in an instant pot. I for one cannot resist any paneer dish.

      Reply
    19. Neha

      January 19, 2022 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Paneer Pudina pulao - the thought of it livens up by taste buds and with such lovely pics in this post I too am tempted make such a pulao. the freshness of paneer mint leaves is so well brought out in the images. Great post!

      Reply
    20. Hayley Dhanecha

      January 20, 2022 at 3:22 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious way to enjoy lots of mint in your diet. Loving this well balanced dish. Thanks for sharing this tasty dish.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: 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

    My profile photo.

    Hi, I'm Pavani! the cook in this hideout. Cook's Hideout is all about delicious vegetarian dishes from India and also from around the world. Here you will find recipes that are easy AND tasty to make.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • How to make Chocolate Custard with Custard Powder
    • Easy Injera Recipe | Step by Step
    • Cuban Tostones with Mojo Sauce Recipe
    • Masala Potato Fry | Andhra Style

    Seasonal Recipes

    • The Best Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe
    • How to make Eggless Latkes
    • How to make Vegan Ebelskivers Recipe
    • How to make Eggless Christmas Plum Cake

    My Cookbooks

    Vegetarian Indian Instant Pot Cookbook.
    The Essential Vegetarian Indian Cookbook.

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe

    Contact

    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme

    12 shares