Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe - Flavorful Pulao with Paneer and Spices

Dhara Shah

July 22, 2024

2173 Ratings

Time:Prep: 15 M|Cook: 25 M|Total: 40 M

Makes:4 Servings

Meal:Main Course

Cuisine:North East India Recipes

If you're looking to add a touch of Northeast Indian cuisine to your dinner table, the Mizoram Inspired Veg Sawhchiar Recipe - Mizoram Pulao with Paneer is the perfect dish. This delightful pulao is a vegetarian version of a traditional Mizo dish, rich in flavors and textures that will surely tantalize your taste buds. It's an ideal meal for those who love experimenting with different regional cuisines and enjoy a wholesome, nutritious dish that's both filling and delicious.

The Sawhchiar is a beloved dish from Mizoram, a state in Northeast India known for its unique culinary traditions. This vegetarian version stays true to the essence of the original dish, incorporating aromatic spices like Kashmiri red chillies and bay leaves, which are staples in Mizo cooking. The addition of paneer not only makes this pulao hearty but also enhances its nutritional value, making it a well-rounded meal.

This Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar is packed with nutrients. The paneer provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function. The vegetables add a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including fiber, which aids in digestion. The use of whole spices not only adds depth to the flavor but also brings in antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health. Moreover, the Kashmiri red chillies impart a mild heat and vibrant color without making the dish too spicy, perfect for those who prefer a milder taste.

This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner. It's perfect for family meals, potlucks, or even special occasions when you want to serve something unique yet comforting.

To create a complete meal, you can serve the Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar with a side of raita, such as cucumber or mint raita, to add a cooling element to the meal. A simple salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can also complement the pulao beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

For an extra touch, you can pair this pulao with a tangy pickle or a spoonful of chutney, like mint or coriander chutney, which will enhance the overall flavor profile. If you're in the mood for a more elaborate spread, consider serving it alongside other Indian dishes like a light dal or a vegetable curry. This combination will ensure a balanced meal with a variety of textures and tastes.

When making this dish at home, the key is to let the spices infuse into the rice and paneer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Ensure that the rice is cooked just right – it should be fluffy and each grain separate. Sauté the paneer cubes until they are golden brown to add a delightful texture to the pulao. Don't rush the cooking process; allowing the ingredients to cook slowly will result in a more flavorful dish.

Adding your personal touch can make this recipe even more special. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference, or add more vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of rice, like basmati or jasmine, to see how they alter the taste and texture of the pulao.

The Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe is a delightful way to explore the rich culinary heritage of Mizoram. It's a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a taste of Northeast India's vibrant culture. Enjoy making this recipe at home and share it with your loved ones for a memorable dining experience.

Serve Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe along with Palak Raita Recipe (Spinach Yogurt Salad) and Mizoram Special Koat Pitha Recipe (Banana Fritters) for lunch with family.

Here are a few more recipes from North East

Serve Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe along with Palak Raita Recipe (Spinach Yogurt Salad) and Mizoram Special Koat Pitha Recipe (Banana Fritters) for lunch with family.

Here are a few more recipes from North East

Ingredients

1 Basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

200 Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese), cut into cubes

2 Ghee, as needed

1 Cumin seeds (Jeera)

1 Onion, thinly sliced

1 Ginger, finely chopped

4 Garlic, finely chopped

1 Bay leaf (tej patta)

2 Kashmiri dry red chillies, broken into pieces

2 Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds

1 Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)

2 Cloves (Laung), shredded

Salt, to taste

6 Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped

Instructions for Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe - Flavorful Pulao with Paneer and Spices

To begin making Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe, start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and become fluffy.

While the rice is soaking, cut the paneer into small cubes. Set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

In the heavy bottomed pan where you plan to cook the rice, add another tablespoon of ghee or oil if needed. Add the bay leaf, broken Kashmiri red chillies, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. Sauté the spices for a minute until they release their aroma.

Add onions, ginger and garlic and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Next, drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to combine with the onions and spices. Pour in 1-1/2 cups of water and add salt to taste.

Bring the Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Add the sautéed paneer cubes to the rice and mix carefully to avoid breaking the rice grains.

Garnish Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve Mizoram Veg Sawhchiar Recipe along with Palak Raita Recipe (Spinach Yogurt Salad) and Mizoram Special Koat Pitha Recipe (Banana Fritters) for lunch with family.