Mushroom - Paneer(Cottage Cheese) Pulao

Pulao is a simple one pot meal to quick fix on a busy hectic day.Though pulao can be varied to one's own desires and tastes.To me,I love mushrooms a lot and so,the mushroom pulao is equally enticing one to the taste buds.Though I started initially to prepare the mushroom pulao alone but then found a small brick of cottage cheese in the refrigerator and so thought to add it too.And that was good and flavorful with mushroom.Mushrooms and Cottage cheese/ paneer both are healthy and nutritious.Easy way to sneak in kids lunch pack too..All loved the pulao with salad and pappad!!

Ingredients
basmati rice 1cup
mushroom  8 oz(200 gm) chopped in large chunks
paneer 1/2 cup cube sized
chilly powder 1/2tsp
turmeric powder 1/2tsp
garam  masala 1/2tsp
onion  2 chopped medium sized
whole garam masala (cinnamon 1''piece,cloves 3-4,cardamom 3,bay leaves 2)
oil 3tsp
ghee 1 tbsp
water 2cups
salt


to grind
ginger-garlic paste 2 tsp
green chillies 3 chopped
mint leaves 2 tsp chopped
coriander leaves 2tsp chopped

Method
-Wash and soak the basmati rice for 20 minutes.
-Grind the grinding ingredients to a smooth paste.
-Heat oil in a pan and fry the whole garam masala mentioned.Add the onion and saute till translucent. Add the chopped mushroom and fry till the water starts evaporating.Add the paneer pieces and fry.
-Heat ghee in another pan and add the washed rice into it.Fry the rice in the ghee for 5-7minutes.Put off the flame.
-In the mean time,add the spices in the first pan with mushroom,saute.Add the ground mix into it,wait till the raw smell disappears and oil starts separating.
-Add 2 cups of water and salt.Wait till the first boil comes,add the fried rice into it.Cover and cook on medium heat for another 10-15minutes.
-The rice is cooked with the spices and wait for the water to completely dry up,then its ready to serve!!
-Serve with any raitha ,pickle and papad !!

Servings ~3adults

NOTES
*You can omit the paneer and make mushroom alone or vice versa.
*I served it with cucumber salad and papad.
*Change the amount of water according to your rice packet instructions.

Check out other Rice recipes here   &   Raitha / Salads recipes here.

Sending this to The Kerala Kitchen event hosted by Kaveri @ Palakkad Chamayal

Sending this to Let's cook Rice hosted by Radhika @ Tickling Palates

Also sending this to Valentines Day Special event hosted by Anzz @ Anzz Cafe