Add all the marination ingredients including 1½ tablespoon oil to paneer. Mix and set aside. If it is too dry, sprinkle 1 tbsp water.

Heat oil or ghee in a pot or cooker. Then add all the whole spices.

When they begin to sizzle, add sliced onions & fry them until golden.

Next saute ginger garlic paste till the raw smell goes off.

Add all the chopped veggies and saute for 2 minutes. Add coriander and mint leaves. Fry until you begin to smell them good.

Pour water and salt. Stir and taste it. Bring it to a boil.

Add soaked and drained rice and pressure cook for 1 whistle on a medium flame. If cooking in a pot, cover and cook on a low flame until the rice is done.

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan and place the marinated paneer cubes. Fry them until golden. If the pan looks too dry then add some oil.

When the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and fluff up. Remove to a serving plate and top the fried paneer.

Serve paneer pulao with a raita or a salad.