Paneer Pulao

Ingredients :
1 cup long grained rice (basmati)
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves
2 green cardamoms
1 bay leaf, dried
1 tbsp cashew
1 tbsp raisins
2-3 tbsp ready made tomato puree
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
3/4 cup paneer cubes (cottage cheese)
2-3 tbsp mint leaves (pudina)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
Few more tbsp vegetable oil - to shallow fry the paneer
salt to taste
 For the paste :
a small piece ginger
1-2 cloves garlic
2-3 green chillies, depending on how spicy you want the dish

Method :
1. Wash and soak the rice in water for 10 mins.
2. Meanwhile, grind together the ingredients for the paste.
3. Heat a few tbsp oil and shallow fry the paneer cubes for few minutes. Do not fry for too long as it will turn hard.
4. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the coves, cardamom, bay leaf and stir for few seconds and add the cashew and raisins. Fry for few second till the raisins puff up a bit and cashew turn a very light golden brown.
5. Add the paste and sliced onions and fry till onions turn light golden.
6. Add the tomato puree, turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder, dhania powder, fried paneer cubes, mint leaves and salt. Mix till all the ingredients are well coated.
7. Now add the soaked and drained rice. Fry for half a minute and add 2 cups water. Cover and cook till done.
   Serve hot with raita of your choice. Enjoy!