Spicy Paneer Pulav/Pilaf

If you tired of having Mutton/Chicken Biryani then this one's for you This spicy paneer pulav is as good as biryani .Fragrant Basmati cooked with aromatic spices then layered with spicy yet creamy cottage cheese/paneer  gravy makes a delicious one pot meal.You could serve this with raita & Paneer tikka along

Ingredients:
Marination
200 gms malai paneer
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp garam masala powder
 4tbsp curds

For the rice
2 cups basmati rice
3-4 cloves
1 star anise
2-3 green cardmon
1 black cardmon
2 bay leaves
salt as needed

for the gravy
2  onion fried till brown
1 tomato chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
3 tbsp curds
1tbsp cream
1 tsp garam masala powder
1/4 tsp kasuri methi /dried fenugreek leaves
1/2tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
2 -3 green chillies chopped finely
1/4 cup mint leaves chopped
1/2 cup coriander leaves chopped
1 tbsp ghee (optional)
2 tbsp saffron infused milk (optional)
Dry fruits as needed.
Oil as required
salt to taste

Method:

• Mix in curds ,salt, ginger garlic paste ,cumin powder, chilli powder, till smooth .
• Marinate the paneer pieces with the curds mixture & keep aside.
• In a non stick pan heat 1.5 tsp oil & fry the paneer .
• Cook  the rice with whole spices
• In cooking pan heat oil add the chopped tomatoes & fry till its soft.
• Then add the ginger garlic paste & saute till the rawness goes away.
• Put the chopped green chillies and saute.
• Mix in the fried onions ,powdered masalas & curds.
• Saute well till the oil separates ,then add cream.
• Add salt & 1/2 to 3/4 cup water .
• Let it come to a boil then add the fried paneer.
• Also mix in the coriander & mint leaves.
• Now spread the cooked  rice layer over the gravy
• Sprinkle the dried fruits & drizzle ghee if using .
• Add the saffron infused milk if using.
• Cover the lid and cook for 10 min on low heat.
• Serve hot with raita /masala papad/paneer tikka