Description
Paneer Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, layered with aromatic spices and tender paneer, perfect for a special meal.
Ingredients
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- 2 cups basmati rice
- 250 grams paneer, cut into pieces
- Whole garam masala (1 tsp shahi jeera, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp mace, 1/2 tsp pepper, 4 cloves, 4 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaves)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 tbsp ghee
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 tsp saffron strands, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 cup fried onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the paneer pieces until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add ghee and heat over medium heat. Add sliced onions and whole garam masala. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add yogurt, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Cook for 5 minutes until the oil separates.
- Layer the cooked rice over the masala mixture. Sprinkle saffron milk over the top.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are absorbed.
- Garnish with fried onions if using, and serve hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use aged basmati rice. You can substitute tofu for paneer to make it vegan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 40