Paneer Peas Pulao in Instant Pot

5 from 73 votes

Easy and delicious paneer peas pulao is made with Indian cottage cheese, peas, and Basmati rice. This wholesome one-pot meal is great for picnics, potlucks, and lunch boxes. It is ready in 20 minutes and uses minimal spices.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Hindu, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 351kcal

Author: Shilpa Kerur

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

2 cups Basmati rice
1½ cup paneer
1 cup green peas
2 tablespoon ghee
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
3-4 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 large onion thinly sliced
1-2 green chili finely chopped
1 teaspoon garam masala (use store-bought or homemade garam masala)
Salt to taste
½ lemon or lime

Instructions

Prep:

Wash the rice thoroughly. Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.
Cut the paneer into ½-inch cubes. Soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes.

Making the pulao:

Set the Instant Pot in saute mode (normal) and add ghee.
Once it heats, add cumin seeds.
Once they splutter, add garlic and green chili. Saute for 1 minute.
Add the onion and saute for 5-6 minutes, until they brown (see tips section).
Drain the water from the soaked paneer.
Add paneer, peas, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix gently and saute for 1 minute.
Drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the IP.
Add 2½ cup water.
Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure.
Gently mix the pulao. Serve with plain yogurt or raita.

Video

Notes

Use Basmati rice or any variety of long-grain rice to make this chickpea pilaf. Also, it is important to wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear and then soak it for 20-30 minutes.

Soak the paneer in warm water for 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the paneer soft.

The rice-to-water ratio I am using here is 1 to 1¼. This gives me perfectly cooked, slightly chewy rice. You can reduce the water by ¼ cup for a firmer texture or increase the water by ¼ cup for soft cooked rice. For 2 cups of Basmati, I am adding 2½ cups of water.

Nutrition