Broccoli Paneer Rice is a healthy, delicious, one pot meal that can be made in minutes and so this would go perfect for lunch box. Usually I have seen most of the people saying no to Broccoli, but when it comes to the health benefits it has loads in it. And so, thought of infusing broccoli with rice as a main ingredient and paneer which my kids like to the core as a secondary ingredient. I was little worried when I prepared this rice, as I gave a try directly for my kid’s lunch box, and I prepared little steamed rice too, so that I can use it as a backup if this Broccoli Paneer rice doesn’t work. But the rice was yum and unimaginable.

I have induced coconut oil, you can substitute it with ghee/clarified butter or any cooking oil.

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Taking this to Fiesta Friday #156 hosted by Angie@thenovicegarderner.

Health Benefits of Broccoli: Broccoli is well known for preventing cancer, it reduces cholesterol as it is packed with soluble fiber, it helps in bone health, good for heart health, also it helps in digestion and prevents constipation.

Let me share the recipe…

Broccoli Paneer Rice

Ingredients:

• Broccoli – 1 no (medium size)
• Paneer – 150 gm
• Basmati / Long Grain Rice – 2 cups
• Coriander leaves – a fistful
• Mint leaves – a fistful
• Green chilli – 2 nos
• Garlic – 5 cloves
• Cloves – 3 nos
• Cinnamon – 1 stick
• Star Anise – 1 no
• Coconut milk – 2 cups
• Chilli powder – ¾ tsp
• Coriander powder – 2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Coconut oil – 1 ½ tbsp.

Making of Broccoli Paneer rice –

Preparation:

• Wash and separate the florets of broccoli (medium size).
• Cube the paneer to medium size pieces.
• Grind coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies and garlic to a fine paste by adding little water.
• Heat oil in a pressure-cooker or heavy bottomed vessel, add the cloves, cinnamon and star anise, wait until they crackle.
• Add the broccoli followed by chilli powder and coriander powder, cook for few mins.
• Pour the ground mixture (coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies and garlic paste) and cook for few mins or until the raw smell goes off.
• Add the cleaned rice, followed by salt and cook for few mins.
• Pour the coconut milk and water (in equal proportion), pressure-cook for 3 whistles or if using a heavy bottomed vessel, cover and cook until the rice is cooked.
• Meanwhile heat a tsp of oil in pan, add the paneer pieces and cook them on both sides until they turn golden brown in color.
• Remove the lid when the pressure releases, give a gentile stir and add the roasted paneer, give a gentle stir and serve.

Serve hot with raita and any deep fry. I have accompanied it with Potato chips.