Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 3.Sauté onions

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 6.Simmer vegetables

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

7. 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.

8. 8.Add water and boil

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

9. 9.Initial cooking of rice

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

10. 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.

11. 11.Combine paneer with rice

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

12. 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.

13. 13.Serve

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