Layered Paneer Butter Masala Biryani Recipe
Dive into the culinary richness of North Indian cuisine with this delightful Layered Paneer Butter Masala Biryani. Combining the comforting essence of fragrant basmati rice with the indulgent flavors of paneer butter masala, this dish is perfect for a festive gathering or a comforting family meal. The layered presentation not only makes it visually appealing but also enhances the blend of flavors, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Fried Onions | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 1 sprig |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1 sprig |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams (cut into 1/2 inch cubes) |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 (roughly chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil (Cooking Oil) | To taste |
| Cashew Nuts | 1 tablespoon (fried, for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 450 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Preparation Time
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
| Total | 45 minutes |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Rice:
- Begin by washing and soaking the rice in water for approximately 30 minutes to enhance its texture and prevent it from breaking during cooking.
- In a pressure cooker, heat the ghee over low flame and add the whole spices: cardamom, cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Allow these spices to sizzle and release their aromatic oils.
- Once fragrant, add the drained rice along with salt and 2 cups of water. Close the pressure cooker and cook for two whistles. Afterward, turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.
- Once the pressure is released, spread the cooked rice on a plate and allow it to cool. When cooled, gently mix in the fried onions and chopped coriander and mint leaves.
2. Making the Paneer Butter Masala:
- In a kadai (wok), heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, green chilli, ginger, garlic, and onions. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until the onions turn a lovely golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook until all the vegetables soften. Season with salt and turn off the flame. Allow this mixture to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the onion-tomato mixture to a mixer jar and grind it into a smooth paste.
- Heat a pan over low heat, then transfer the ground masala paste back into the pan. Cook gently, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Now add cumin powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, honey, and kasuri methi. Stir well and bring the paneer butter masala gravy to a brisk boil.
- When boiling, carefully add the paneer pieces and fresh cream. Stir to ensure the paneer is well coated in the thick, semi-dry masala. Turn off the heat, ensuring you achieve a non-gravy consistency.
3. Assembling the Biryani:
- Generously grease a large glass bowl with melted butter. Place some coriander and mint leaves at the bottom along with a sprinkle of fried onions.
- Begin layering by spreading 1/3 cup of the prepared rice at the base, pressing it down gently. Follow with a layer of the paneer butter masala.
- Repeat the layers, alternating rice and paneer butter masala, until you finish with a final layer of rice on top.
- Carefully place a serving plate over the bowl and invert it onto the plate, creating a stunning layered presentation.
4. Serving:
- Serve the Layered Paneer Butter Masala Biryani hot, accompanied by onion raita for a refreshing contrast. For a sweet finish, consider pairing it with Kesar Shahi Tukda, a saffron-infused bread pudding served with spiced milk custard.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavor-packed dish that showcases the best of Indian culinary traditions, combining the richness of paneer with aromatic spices and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a dish that is sure to impress and satisfy your guests or family alike!
