Simple, but nice Paneer Pulao

With a little bit of weekend prep, this comes together easily on a weeknight.
Prep: Dark Brown sauteed, sliced onions (about 1/3 cup..after browning). About 1/3 cup of onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, turmeric masala (prepared in a slow cooker).

Wash and soak 11/2 cups of basmati rice. Thaw paneer in the microwave (about two minutes), and cut into smallish cubes. Heat ~2 tbsp oil in a big pan. Fry Paneer cubes on 2-3 sides till golden brown. Take out the pieces and set aside. Add a tbsp of ghee to the same pan, add jeera, 2 cloves, 1 small piece of cinnamon stick, a few peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 1 whole cardamom, 1 javintri. Now add the pre-browned onions, ~1/4 of green bell pepper, diced, 2 tbsp cashew pieces, 1 tbsp golden raisins, a handful of shredded carrots, and saute a bit. Add 2 tbsp dhania powder, the onion-tomato masala and saute everything nicely. Add the soaked rice and saute. Add 2 cups water, 1 piece of green chilli split, and salt and cook until most of the water evaporates. Add half the paneer pieces and ~1 cup of green peas, stir, cover and cook on low for about 10-12 mins. Garnish with fresh cilantro and remaining paneer pieces and serve with raita and papad.