Zaffrani Pulao

Preparation :10 mins
Cook :14 mins
Total Time :39 mins
Servings :Makes 4 servings (4 serving )

Ingredients :

1 1/4 cups long-grained rice (basmati)
1/4 tsp saffron (kesar) strands
2 tsp warm milk
1 1/2 tbsp oil
1 cup paneer (cottage cheese) cubes
1 tbsp ghee
1 bayleaf (tejpatta)
4 cardamoms
3 to 4 cinnamon (dalchini) sticks
salt to taste
1/4 cup raisins (kismis)

For The Garnish
2 tbsp fried cashewnut halves

Method :

Clean, wash and soak the rice for about 15 minutes. . Drain and keep aside.Combine the saffron and warm milk in a small bowl, mix well and keep aside.Heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the paneer cubes and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally or till they turn light brown in colour. Keep aside to cool.
Heat the ghee in a deep non-stick pan, add the bayleaf, cardamom and cinnamon and sauté on a medium flame for few seconds.Add the rice and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add 2½ cups of hot water and salt, mix well and cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Add the raisins, paneer and saffron-milk mixture, mix well and cover and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Serve hot garnished with cashewnuts.