Paneer Biryani

Did you say- a perfect meal? We heard Paneer Biryani! A dish where long-grained basmati rice is cooked to perfection, blended with authentic Indian herbs and soft paneer pieces to create a delightful taste experience.

Recipe Variants

Ingredients

500 grams cottage cheese (paneer), cut into 1-inch cubes
5½ cups Biryani Basmati Rice
Salt to taste
7-8 black peppercorns
3-4 green cardamoms
2-3 cloves
2-3 tbsps ghee
3-4 cloves
6-8 black peppercorns
2 green cardamoms
1-2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds
2-3 green chilies, slit
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1½ tbsps ginger-garlic paste
1 cup fresh tomato puree
Salt to taste
2 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
¾ tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1½ tbsps biryani masala
3 tbsps browned onions
2 tbsps chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
2-3 tsp butter
2-3 tbsps yogurt
A large pinch of saffron, soaked in 1-2 tbsps warm water
2-3 tsp rose water
1-2 tsp screwpine (kewra) water
Ghee for drizzling
¼ cup browned onions + for garnish
12-15 fresh coriander sprigs
10-12 fresh mint leaves
2-3 green chilies, slit
1-inch ginger, cut into thin strips
1-2 tsp dried rose petals
Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Boondi raita as required
Onion rings

Step by step guide

Step
1
Take Biryani Basmati Rice in a bowl. Add sufficient water and wash 2-3 times.
Step
1
Add fresh water and soak for 25-30 minutes. Drain the water.
Step
1
Boil 6-8 cups of water in a deep non-stick pan. Add salt, black peppercorns, green cardamoms, and cloves. Add the soaked rice, mix and cook for 10-15 minutes or till the rice is ¾ done. Drain the rice.
Step
1
To make the masala, heat ghee in a deep pan. Add cloves, black peppercorns, green cardamoms, bay leaves, cumin seeds, green chilies, and onions. Then sauté until golden brown.
Step
1
Add the ginger-garlic paste, mix, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step
1
Pour the tomato puree and mix well. Now add salt, and then mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step
1
Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, biryani masala, browned onions, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and butter, and mix well. Cook on medium heat till the fat separates.
Step
1
Reduce the heat to low and add yogurt, then mix well. Add 1⁄2 cup water, mix, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step
1
Add the paneer cubes and gently mix till well combined. Evenly spread the cooked rice over the paneer masala. Drizzle soaked saffron, rose water, screwpine water, and ghee. Sprinkle browned onions, coriander sprigs, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger, and dried rose petals.
Step
1
Cover the pan with an aluminum foil and place the lid on it. Cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes. Now switch the heat off and transfer the paneer biryani to a serving plate.
Step
1
Garnish with browned onions, and mint sprig. Serve hot with boondi raita and onion rings.