Paneer Matar Pulao – North Indian Style

Step 1: Soak Basmati Rice

Wash 2 cups (approximately 500 ml) of Basmati rice a few times, then pour enough water to cover it and soak for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cut and Season Paneer

Cut 400 grams of fresh paneer into medium-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl and season with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Mix everything well to ensure the paneer pieces are coated in the spice powders. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Roast Paneer

Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan. Place the seasoned paneer pieces onto the pan and roast them on all sides until they are lightly golden brown. Once roasted, remove the paneer from the pan and keep it aside.

Step 4: Sauté Whole Spices and Onions

In a pressure cooker, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, mace), 1 tsp cumin seeds, and 2 bay leaves. Sauté for a moment. Next, add 2 large thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn a nice golden brown color.

Step 5: Add Green Chillies, Ginger Garlic Paste, and Tomatoes

Add 4 slit green chillies and mix well. Then, add 2 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute. Next, add 3 finely chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become nice and mushy.

Step 6: Incorporate Curd and Spice Powders

Add 2 tablespoons of whisked curd, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix everything well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 7: Add Green Peas, Mint, Coriander, and Roasted Paneer

Add 1 cup of fresh green peas (or frozen peas) and mix everything well. Then, add a few fresh mint leaves and fresh coriander leaves, mixing them in. Finally, add the roasted paneer pieces and gently mix them into the mixture.

Step 8: Add Rice and Water, Pressure Cook

Add the soaked and drained Basmati rice. Gently mix the rice in with the paneer and pea mixture, taking care not to break the rice grains. Next, add 2 1/4 cups of water and mix it in. You can check for seasoning at this point and add more salt if needed. Close the pressure cooker and pressure cook for about one whistle on medium-high flame.

Step 9: Serve Paneer Matar Pulao

Once the pressure cooker has naturally released its pressure, open the lid. You will see a gorgeous Paneer Matar Pulao. The rice should be cooked perfectly. Serve it hot immediately. You can serve it with raita and brinjal curry on the side.

• Gently mix the rice after adding to avoid breaking the grains.

• Adjust salt and chili powder according to your preference.

• If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas can be used.

• Serve with raita and brinjal curry for a complete meal.

• For extra richness, add 2 tsp of ghee at the end (optional).