Paneer Pulao

Step 1: Prepare the base

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pot. Add 5-6 cashew nuts and fry for 30 seconds until they turn light golden.

Step 2: Add whole spices

Add 2 anise stars, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 3 cloves, 2 green cardamom pods, 1 black cardamom pod, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Sauté onions

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

Step 4: Add aromatics and vegetables

Add 2 red chilies, 1 teaspoon of garlic & ginger paste, and 3 green chilies. Mix well and cook for a few seconds. Then add 2 medium-sized chopped tomatoes, 1 chopped potato, and 1/2 cup of peas.

Step 5: Season and cook vegetables

Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix all the ingredients well and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Simmer vegetables

Cover the pot and cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly tender.

Step 7: Add rice and herbs

Add 2 cups of soaked basmati rice, 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder to the pot. Mix everything gently to combine.

Step 8: Add water and boil

Pour in 3 cups of water and mix gently. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9: Initial cooking of rice

Cover the pot and cook on high flame for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Fry paneer

In a separate pan, heat 1/4 cup of oil. Add 250 grams of paneer cubes and fry until they are light golden brown. Remove the fried paneer from the pan.

Step 11: Combine paneer with rice

Add the fried paneer cubes to the rice mixture, which should be about 80% cooked at this stage.

Step 12: Final cooking (Dum)

Cover the pot again and cook on low flame for 10 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and all the water has been absorbed.

Step 13: Serve

Gently fluff the Paneer Pulao with a fork and serve hot.

• Soaking basmati rice helps in achieving long, separate grains.

• Adjust spice levels according to your preference.

• Frying cashews and paneer separately adds texture and flavor.

• Add other vegetables like carrots or beans for more nutrition.

• Replace paneer with tofu for a vegan option.