Paneer Vegetable Pulao

For me rice is one ingredient I can't do without.I grew up eating rice at least two times a day and it is an ultimate comfort food for me.I simply love the aroma that wafts out while basmati rice is getting cooked and pulao(mixed rice) is something I adore to the core.Next ingredient I have become a great fan of is paneer,though it is not something I grew up with.I love any paneer dish ranging from sweets to savories.I recently made this paneer pulao a family favorite and realized that I have not yet blogged about it and so here it is :). Paneer pulao is a very very flavorful,tasty and vibrant dish.Very easy to put together and a perfect lunch box recipe.Here I have used the vegetables I had in my hand,you can choose to add/leave out the vegetables as per your choice.

Paneer pulao recipe:
Star ingredient:Paneer
Time:40 minutes
Serves:3
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup basmati rice
3/4 paneer cubes
2 carrots peeled and cubed
2 baby corns peeled and cubed
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup curd
1 onion sliced
1 teaspoon chilli powder 
1 teaspoon kitchen king masala
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon mint leaves
A small piece of ginger crushed
1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi
2 green chillies
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 bay leaf
Oil+ghee
Salt
Method:
1.Cook basmati rice with 3 cup of water up to 2 whistles.The rice should not be mushy.
2.Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a heavy bottomed kadai and temper with bay leaf,cloves and cardamoms.Next add cumin seeds,green chillies,cilantro and ginger.Saute well for 3-5 minutes till raw smell goes off.
3.Add the sliced onions and fry till translucent.

4.Add the vegetables,paneer pieces and mix well.Add chilli powder,salt,kitchen king masala and mix well.Saute for 5 minutes till it turns fragrant.
5.Add the curd,cover and cook for 10 minutes till the curd is absorbed well by the vegetables.
6.Add the cooked rice,kasuri methi,2 teaspoons ghee and close the lid.Leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes.Mix gently and serve hot.
Notes:
1.You can add vegetables like cauliflower,sweet corn,potatoes etc as per your choice.
2.There is no need use garam masala as we are using whole spices.
3.You can fry onions,and add it at the end for a different taste.
4.You can replace curd with coconut milk and leave out ghee for vegan version.