Paneer-Peas Pulav

Ingredients

• Paneer (cut into 1 inch cubes) - 100 gms: 
• Green Peas (Frozen) - 50 gms:
• Basmati Rice -  2 cups
• Thick Yogurt - 1/2 cup
• Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
• Garam Masala - 2 tsp
• Ginger-Garlic Paste - 2 tsp
• Star Anise - 2-3 nos:
• Cloves - 3-4 nos:
• Bay Leaf - 1 
• Onion - 1 (finely chopped)
• Green Chilli - 2-3 nos: (sliced)
• Mint Leaves (finely chopped) - 1 tbsp
• Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) - 1 tbsp
• Cashew Nut (roasted) - 10-15 (optional)
• Ghee - 5 tbsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt - as required

Preparation Method

1. Mix yogurt, chilli powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and salt; add paneer cubes and coat the paneer with yogurt mix and refrigerate for 30 mins:
2. Wash, and soak the rice for 20 mins:. Remove the water and keep in a strainer to remove excess water.
3. In a large pot boil water by adding star anise, cloves, bay leaf, and salt. Once the water start to boil add rice and 1 tbsp ghee, stir well and cook till the rice is just done. Drain the water and transfer the rice to a strainer to remove the excess water.
4. Heat oil in a wide bottom pan and shallow fry the marinated paneer till all the sides become golden brown in color and keep aside.
5. Heat 4 tbsp ghee in a pan, add onion, green chilli and ginger-garlic paste; saute in low flame till onion become translucent.
6. Add green peas, 1tsp garam masala, and pinch of salt and cook till green peas is cooked.
7. Add paneer, mint leaves, coriander leaves and saute for 1 mins:
8. Gradually add the cooked rice and mix well; adjust the salt and cook in medium flame for 5 mins: keeping the lid closed.
9. Remove from flame, add roasted cashew nuts and mix well.
10. Hot and tasty Paneer-Peas Pulav is ready to serve as itself or with any spicy side dish.