Step 1: Sauté Whole Spices and Cashews

In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of oil. Add 5-6 cashew nuts and fry for 30 seconds. Then, add 2 star anise, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 3 cloves, 2 cardamoms, 1 black cardamom, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 20 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 medium-sized sliced onion and fry until it turns golden brown.

Step 3: Add Pastes and Chilies

Add 2 dried red chilies and 1 tsp of garlic & ginger paste. Sauté for a few seconds until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add 3 green chilies, 2 medium-sized chopped tomatoes, 1 medium-sized chopped potato, and 1/2 cup of peas.

Step 5: Add Spices and Cook

Add 1 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Steam the Vegetables

Cover the pot and cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are partially cooked.

Step 7: Add Rice and Seasoning

Add 2 cups of soaked basmati rice, 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves, and 1/2 tsp of garam masala powder. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients without breaking the rice grains.

Step 8: Add Water and Cook

Pour in 3 cups of water and give it a gentle stir. Cover and cook on high flame for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Fry the Paneer

While the rice is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of oil in a separate pan. Add 250 gm of paneer cubes and fry until light golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 10: Add Paneer and Steam (Dum)

After 5 minutes of high-flame cooking, the rice should be 80% cooked. Add the previously fried paneer cubes on top. Cover the pot and cook on a low flame for 10 minutes.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the pulao rest for a few minutes, then gently fluff with a fork or spatula. Serve hot.

• Soaking the basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps in getting long, fluffy, and separate grains.

• Frying the paneer separately until light golden keeps it soft and prevents it from breaking when mixed with the rice.

• Gently mix the rice with the vegetables to avoid breaking the delicate grains.

• You can add other vegetables like carrots, French beans, and sweet corn.

• For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of oil.