Paneer and Peas Pulao

This is different from the regular peas pulao, in that, the peas-paneer combination adds to the richness and presentation of the dish.  It is very simple to make, but lends a royal touch to your spread.

Ingredients :

01. Basmati rice grains – 1 cup
02. Ghee – 2 tbsp
03. Cottage Cheese (paneer), cut into cubes – 250 g
04. Cloves – 4
05. Bay leaf - 2
06. Cardamom – 5
07. Cinnamon – a  1 ½” piece
08. Peas – 2 cups
09. Raisins – 2 tbsp
10. Salt – to taste
11. Sugar – 1 tsp
12. Water – 2 cups

How to Prepare ?

• Wash the Basmati rice grains and soak in water for one hour.
• Heat ghee, and fry the paneer pieces in it till light brown. Keep aside.
• In the remaining ghee, sauté the cloves, bay leaf, cardamom and cinnamon.
• Drain the rice grains well, add it to the pan and fry the grains for two to three minutes.
• Add the peas and the dried raisins and fry for two more minutes.
• To this, add salt, sugar and water and keep to boil on a low flame. When all the water evaporates, it means that the rice has been cooked to perfection.
• Next, add the fried paneer pieces to the cooked rice and blend it in carefully. Allow it to cook for another five minutes.
• The rice must be served hot for best results.