Turn on the Instant Pot in saute mode. Once it shows ON, wait for 30 secs and then add in 2 tbsp of Oil. Let it get hot. To this add in the Whole spices. I am adding 1 tsp of Fennel Seeds, 5 cashew nuts, 1 Bay leaf, 1 Star anise,3 Cardamom Pods, 1-inch Cinnamon Stick,3 Clove. Let it becomes fragrant.
Next, add in 1 cup of sliced Onion. Saute till they are soft and pink.
And then add in 1.5 tbsp of ginger garlic paste. Saute till the raw smell leaves. If the Instant Pot is very hot or, if the ginger garlic paste sticks to the inner pot, you can add in 2 tbsp of Water and deglaze. Or you can press the cancel button and continue cooking in the residual heat. and then press the saute button back after few mins.
In a blender jar add in 10 Cashew Nuts, 2 green Chilli, ¼ cup Mint leaves and ¼ cup Cilantro add 2 tbsp of water and blend to a fine paste. Now add the green paste to the Instant pot. Saute for few secs. (You can blend the green paste and keep it ready before you start cooking)
Next, add in 1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas. Also, add in 200 gms or Paneer or Cottage Cheese cut into cubes. You can slice the paneer blocks and keep soaking in water for 10 to 15 mins for softer paneer. Combine everything.
Next, add in the spice powders. Add in ½ tsp Red Chili Powder, 1 tsp Garam Masala, ¼ tsp Turmeric powder, and the required Salt. Combine everything.
Wash the Basmati Rice 3 or 4 times and keep them soaked in water for 30 mins. Now drain the water and add the Basmati Rice to the Instant Pox. Mix everything.
Add in 3 cups of water. Also, add 1 tbsp of Lemon Juice. Combine everything and check for salt and spice add if anything is less.
Close the Instant Pot and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook mode and set 5 mins in high pressure.
Do a quick release and open the Instant Pot after 5 mins. Gently fluff the Rice and switch off the Instant Pot.
Now close the Instant Pot once again and leave the rice undisturbed for another 30 mins. After 30 mins open the Instant Pot and fluff the Rice once again. Fluffy perfect Instant Pot Paneer Peas Pulao is ready.