Simple Carrot and Paneer Pulao

I know, what you guys are thinking - "Carrot and Paneer", seriously? Yes, that is exactly how I was breaking my head, when I was trying to cook something with this combination for the contest hosted by lovely Neela. I initially planned to make Bhurji with this combo, but since I had already added a variety of Bhurji with Paneer, I did not want to go down the same road again. So here, I made a simple and quick Pulao with carrot and paneer. Trust me, it turned out very well. Although, I wanted to add Capsicum, I could not find a fresh one in the super market today, so did not add them. But make sure, you guys add capsicum, it would be crunchy and just right.

Ingredients:
1)Paneer - 1 cup(cubed, big chunks)
2)Carrot - 2 (small, Grated)
3)Green Chilli - 1(chopped)

4)Onion - 1(medium, cut lengthwise)
5)Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp
6)Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
7)Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
8)Garam Masala - a pinch
9)Ginger Garlic Paste - 1/4 tsp
10)Cardamon, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Cloves - a little
11)Oil - 2 tsp
12)Cumin Seeds and Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp each
13)Cooked Long Grain Rice - 1 cup

Preparation:

1)Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and add the cubed paneer, saute until they turn golden brown, keep aside.

2)Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and add Cardamon, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Cloves, Mustard and Cumin seeds, let it release flavor and also splutter.

3)Add the chopped green chilli, onion and salt. Saute until the onion turns translucent.

4)Add ginger garlic paste and saute until the raw smell goes off.

5)Add the grated carrot, turmeric powder and saute until it cooks. It takes approximately 4 minutes. 

6)Add red chilli, coriander and garam masala powder and mix well, let it cook for 2 more minutes.

7)Add the sauteed paneer and mix well. 

8)Now add the cooked long grain rice and mix well. 

Simple Carrot and Paneer Pulao is ready to be served with Raita! 

Note: The Puloa will be slightly sweeter because of the grated carrot. If you do not want the Pulao to taste sweeter, then reduce the amount of carrot or otherwise chop the carrot instead of grating them. But somehow, when the carrots are chopped it did not look like Pulao, it looked more like a fried rice, hence I grated. :-)