Matar Paneer Pulav (Peas Paneer Pulav) and an Award

1/2 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

1 big elachi (cardamom)
1 inch cinnamon stick
2 cloves, 1 bay leaf
1 bit of star anise
1 tsp ghee
2 tsp oil
100gm paneer (cubed and fried)
1 cup Basmati Rice
1 1/2 cups water
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro (as garnish)
1 green chilli slit

If you have a loaf of paneer, soak in warm water till it defrosts.
Cut them into squares and shallow fry on both sides till golden.
Drain and keep aside.
Soak basmati rice for 1/2 hour if starchy. Drain completely.
Add ghee in a kadai and roast rice till the colour slowly changes. Keeep aside.
Add oil, splutter jeera. Add cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves, star anise
When the flavours unlock, add onions , green chilli and roast till transparent
Add the frozen peas and leave it for a while till it slowly softens.
Add the fried paneer cubes next and roast for a minute.
Add water and bring to a boil. Add sufficient salt.
Add the rice and keep closed in medium flame.
Do not disturb till the rice grains are completely cooked.
Garnish with chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
Serve with chips and a creamy curry!

Thanks for the 'love your blog award' - Shubhie Arun, Padma, Shubha (munchcrunch).