Herby Baked Paneer Rice Recipe
Introduction
This herby paneer baked rice is a simple, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy days. Combining fragrant basmati rice, fresh herbs, and golden paneer cubes, it’s both comforting and vibrant. The addition of crisp mangetout and peas adds a delightful texture and pop of color.
Ingredients
- 150g basmati rice
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 400ml hot vegetable stock
- ½ small pack of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 65g paneer, cut into 1½ cm cubes
- 100g mangetout, halved lengthways
- 100g frozen peas
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. In a medium casserole dish (around 25 x 20cm), combine the basmati rice and rapeseed oil. Season lightly and stir to coat the rice evenly with oil.
- Step 2: Pour in the hot vegetable stock, then add most of the chopped parsley, most of the lemon zest, and all the lemon juice. Stir everything together and season to taste.
- Step 3: Scatter the paneer cubes evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the rice is nearly cooked and the paneer starts to turn golden.
- Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven and gently fold in the mangetout and frozen peas. Return to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still bright green.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining parsley and lemon zest over the top before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh paneer if possible, or try halloumi for a different texture and flavor.
- Swap mangetout for green beans or asparagus tips depending on what you have on hand.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated well if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use other long-grain rice varieties, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust the amount of stock accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. This dish is vegetarian and uses paneer as the protein source. To keep it vegan, replace paneer with a plant-based alternative or tofu.
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Herby Baked Paneer Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and wholesome herby paneer baked rice, combining aromatic basmati rice with fresh parsley, zesty lemon, and tender paneer cubes, all baked to perfection with crisp mangetout and sweet peas for a colorful, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Grains and Protein
- 150g basmati rice
- 65g paneer, cut into 1½ cm cubes
Vegetables and Herbs
- ½ small pack of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 100g mangetout, halved lengthways
- 100g frozen peas
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 400ml hot vegetable stock
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Use a medium casserole dish about 25 x 20cm in size for even cooking.
- Coat the rice: Add the basmati rice and rapeseed oil to the casserole dish. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then mix well to evenly coat the rice grains with oil.
- Add flavor and liquid: Pour in the hot vegetable stock, then add most of the chopped parsley and most of the lemon zest along with all the lemon juice. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine and season again if needed.
- Add paneer and bake: Arrange the paneer cubes evenly over the rice surface. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the rice is nearly cooked through and the paneer begins to turn golden on top.
- Add vegetables and finish baking: Remove the dish from the oven and gently mix in the mangetout and frozen peas. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are cooked but retain their bright color and slight crunch.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the reserved parsley and lemon zest over the top before serving to add a fresh aroma and vibrant appearance.
Notes
- Use hot vegetable stock to speed up the cooking process of the rice in the oven.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, lightly fry the paneer cubes before adding them on top.
- You can substitute mangetout with green beans or asparagus tips for a variation.
- Ensure the casserole dish is covered or use foil if you want softer rice; uncovered baking results in firmer grains.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated covered gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: paneer baked rice, herby rice recipe, vegetarian baked dish, lemon parsley rice, easy baked paneer dish
