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HL: Mediterranean Rice Bowl Recipe With Grilled Paneer And Guacamole

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For a vegetarian, one of the most delightful ways to experiment in the kitchen is with recipes that fuse global cultures and flavours in modern mixes. Such a foodie can try making a vegetarian rice bowl layered with the desi tasting notes of grilled paneer and the bright flavours of guacamole in a fusion dish that is a melting pot of culinary traditions. The rice bowl can work as an excellent one-dish meal for weeknight dinners: healthy, nourishing, delicious and utterly comforting after a hard day at work.

prep time 00 Hour 15 Mins
cook time 00 Hour 35 Mins
chef Team Kitchen Diaries

Turn a trendy Mediterranean rice bowl recipe into a fusion of culinary cultures by giving it a desi and Mexican spin. Rice bowls filled with nourishing, fibre-rich veggies and a chunk of protein are light yet filling meals all at once. A bonafide vegetarian cook has multiple opportunities for experimentation with rice bowls rich in savoury flavours. This Mediterranean version infused with grilled paneer and guacamole is one such recipe.

Think spicy grilled paneer served on a bed of warm brown rice, topped off with fresh, crispy vegetables as a dinner bowl that would be thoroughly soothing after a long day in the office. The cooling notes of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes merge into the creaminess and light char of grilled paneer to deliver vibrant flavours. These are accentuated by the addition of a spoonful of guacamole which furthers the creamy profile of the rice bowl. 

Prepare the rice bowl at home using a few staple ingredients readily available in the pantry. It can become a nour

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Tips and Tricks

1 Cook the brown rice in a stainless steel pressure cooker. It will steam the rice uniformly and lend it the perfect sticky consistency required for making a Mediterranean rice bowl. 

2 When it comes to grilling the paneer, the easiest way to do so is on an open skillet or grill pan. A non-stick grill pan can come in handy for this purpose. It will grill the paneer uniformly without the risk of overbrowning, or of the paneer sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3 Another alternative that also cuts down on excess oil used for grilling is opting for the air fryer to prepare the paneer. Go for a multi-purpose air fryer which performs tasks like grilling and toasting efficiently and in a hassle-free manner.

4 While guacamole tastes better when it is just crudely mashed, some would prefer it to have a much finer texture. In such cases, use a hand blender which will mash the avocado to make a smooth, fine guacamole. 

Step 1

Start by grilling the paneer. Mix olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Coat the paneer slabs in the mixture. 

Step 2

Grill the paneer in a convection or on a hot plate for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. Sprinkle lemon juice once the paneer is off the griller.

Step 3

Now, make the guacamole. Mash avocado in a bowl and add lemon juice, finely chopped onions, salt and chopped coriander. Mix well. Keep the guacamole slightly chunky for texture.

Step 4

To assemble the bowl, start with a layer of brown rice. Top this off with cucumber, cherry tomatoes and sliced olives. Add a generous scoop of guacamole on top, followed by feta cheese and chopped basil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if required and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the simplest reasons for this could be excess water added to the rice while cooking. Adjust the rice to water ratio so that rice is sticky but never watery.

Marinating the paneer in some red chilli powder and garam masala or in chilli garlic paste are a couple of ways to introduce a more desi effect into the grilled paneer.

Absolutely. If you prefer a slightly spicy kick in your rice bowl, adding finely diced jalapeños to the guacamole can be the finest way of building a bit of heat in the meal.

Feta cheese adds a slightly creamy and dense texture into the rice bowl. If you have run out, ricotta or crumbled paneer can be used instead.

Certainly. However, since long-grain rice tends to be less sticky, ensure that the guacamole is medium-thick so it can mix well with the veggies, paneer and rice mixture when the bowl is assembled.