Paneer Butter Masala Biryani Recipe
Description:
Paneer Butter Masala Biryani is a delectable vegetarian main course dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of paneer butter masala with fragrant, fluffy biryani rice. This one-pot dish brings together the creamy texture of paneer cooked in a spicy gravy and aromatic basmati rice, making it an ideal choice for house parties, Sunday brunches, or festive gatherings. The delicate spices and fresh mint add a touch of elegance to this hearty dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala Biryani
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Unsalted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2-inch piece |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 8 cloves |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Brown Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 3 pods |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, cut into cubes) | 200 grams |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina, chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1-1/4 cups |
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes
Instructions for Paneer Butter Masala Biryani
-
Preparation:
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Finely chop the ginger, garlic, and onions. Slice the paneer into cubes and chop the mint leaves. -
Cooking the Base:
In a large biryani pot or deep cooking pan, heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onions. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn soft and golden brown, releasing a sweet aroma. -
Adding Spices:
Stir in 3 brown cardamom pods, 1 cup of homemade tomato puree, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi), 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Add salt to taste and 1 teaspoon jaggery to balance the flavors. Stir everything well and bring the tomato gravy to a brisk boil. -
Adding Paneer and Cream:
Once the gravy begins to boil, add 200 grams of cubed paneer (homemade cottage cheese) and 1/4 cup fresh cream. Stir gently to coat the paneer in the creamy gravy, ensuring the masala thickens and coats the paneer in a semi-thick layer. -
Incorporating Rice:
Add a handful of roughly chopped mint leaves to the mixture for a refreshing fragrance. Then, add 1-1/2 cups of washed basmati rice and stir well to combine the rice with the paneer and masala. -
Cooking the Biryani:
Pour in 1-1/4 cups of water and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the biryani simmer until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked (around 20 minutes). -
Resting and Final Touches:
Once the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld and the rice to fluff up. -
Serving:
Gently stir the biryani before serving, and garnish with additional chopped mint leaves. Serve the Paneer Butter Masala Biryani warm with onion raita for a delightful meal.
Pro Tip: For an extra special touch, pair your biryani with a dessert like Kesar Shahi Tukda with Rabri (Saffron Bread Pudding with Spiced Milk Custard) for a perfect meal.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 12-15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50 grams |
| Fat | 15-18 grams |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
| Sugars | 5-8 grams |
Enjoy this flavorful and indulgent Paneer Butter Masala Biryani, a perfect dish for any occasion, combining the comfort of traditional biryani with the creamy richness of paneer butter masala!
