Spinach Paneer Biryani

Ingredients :

100 gms paneer, cut into cubes
1/2 Bunch Spinach, Washed and chopped
1 Big Onion, finely chopped ( if medium sized, use two)
1 Tomato, chopped
5 Green chillies
6 Garlic pods
Small piece of ginger
1/2 Tbsp chilli powder
1 Tsp Garam masala powder
Salt to taste
1 Bay leaf
1 Star anise
1 Elachi
1 Lavang
2 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp ghee
1 1/2 Rice ( i used zeera sambha rice)
3 Cups Water
1/2 Lemon

Method:

Puree spinach and keep aside.
Add green chillies, garlic and ginger in a mixie and make paste of it, keep aside.
Coarsely crush the bay leaf and star anise.
Soak rice for 5 - 10 minutes.
Heat pressure cooker and add oil followed by ghee. Once heated, add the crushed bay leaf and star anise, elachi and lavang.
Add the finely chopped onions and fry them.

Now add the chilli paste and fry again for couple of minutes.
Add the chopped tomato and fry them together.

Now add the Pureed spinach followed by salt, garam masala and chilli powder.
Mix well and saute for couple of minutes.

Add the chopped paneer and mix well.

Now add the measured water, let it boil and add the soaked rice. Adjust salt and close the lid and cook it for 3 -4 whistle or until rice gets cooked.
Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Now open and add little lemon juice and mix well without breaking the rice.
Serve with Raita.

Linking this recipe with Master Chef Contest" @ Divya's Page