Paneer Biryani is a delectable and aromatic dish that perfectly captures the essence of Indian cuisine. This vegetarian version of the traditional biryani, which is typically made with meat, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The soft, creamy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is marinated in spices and layered with fragrant Basmati rice, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home, Paneer Biryani is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To prepare Paneer Biryani, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the rice:
- 1 ½ cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For the paneer marinade:
- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the biryani:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon biryani masala
- ¼ cup milk, with a pinch of saffron soaked in it
- Fried onions (optional)
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Start by rinsing the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, helping to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and salt. Once the water is boiling, add the soaked and drained rice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done—just slightly undercooked. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 2: Marinating the Paneer
While the rice is soaking, prepare the paneer marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the paneer marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the cheese.
Step 3: Cooking the Paneer
In a large pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, which adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the biryani. Add the green chilies and chopped tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
Next, add the marinated paneer along with the marinade to the pan. Cook on low heat until the paneer is lightly browned and the masala is well-cooked. This step is crucial as it allows the paneer to absorb the spices, making it flavorful and tender. Add the biryani masala and stir well to combine. The biryani masala adds a unique blend of spices that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 4: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep oven-safe dish, start layering the biryani. Begin with a layer of the paneer masala at the bottom, followed by a layer of the partially cooked rice. Repeat the layers until all the rice and paneer masala are used up, ending with a layer of rice on top. Paneer Biryani
Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the top layer of rice. This not only imparts a beautiful yellow hue but also adds a rich aroma to the biryani. If you like, sprinkle some fried onions over the top, along with fresh mint and coriander leaves. Dot the top with ghee or butter for added richness and flavor.
Step 5: Cooking the Biryani
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the biryani on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to finish cooking through the ‘dum’ method. Alternatively, you can place the pot in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for the same duration.
Once done, let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork to separate the grains.
Serving Paneer Biryani
Paneer Biryani is best served hot, accompanied by raita (a yogurt-based side dish), papad, or a simple salad. The combination of soft paneer cubes, aromatic rice, and a medley of spices makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious meal, Paneer Biryani is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of India to your table.
Indulge in the rich, comforting taste of Paneer Biryani, and savor every bite of this vegetarian masterpiece.