Layered Paneer Butter Masala Biryani Recipe
Description:
Paneer Butter Masala Biryani is a delicious fusion of aromatic rice and creamy paneer butter masala, layered together to create a flavorful and indulgent dish. Perfect for your house parties or weekend meals, this recipe is sure to be loved by everyone in your household. Its rich taste and comforting texture make it a delightful treat for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (Basmati) | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Cardamom | 1 pod |
| Cloves | 2 pieces |
| Star Anise | 1 piece |
| Cinnamon | 1/2-inch stick |
| Black Pepper | 2 whole |
| Salt | To taste |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf |
| Onion | 1/4 cup (fried) |
| Fresh Coriander | 1 sprig |
| Fresh Mint | 1 sprig |
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 200 grams (cut into 1/2-inch cubes) |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium |
| Cream | 2 tbsp |
| Onion (For gravy) | 1 medium (chopped) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (grated) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Green Chili | 1 piece |
| Cardamom Powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tsp |
| Honey | 1 tsp |
| Cooking Oil | As required |
| Cashews | 1 tbsp (for garnish) |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Soaking the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. This step ensures the rice cooks evenly and remains fluffy. -
Cooking the Rice:
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp ghee, cardamom, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, black pepper, and bay leaf to the boiling water. Once the water starts boiling, add the soaked rice and salt. Cook the rice on medium heat until it is about 70-80% cooked. Drain the water and set the rice aside. -
Preparing the Paneer Butter Masala Gravy:
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add ginger, garlic, and green chili, and sauté for another minute until the aroma is released. -
Making the Tomato Gravy:
Now add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and turn mushy. Add the cardamom powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and cook the mixture for a few minutes until the oil begins to separate from the gravy. -
Adding Paneer:
Add the 1/2-inch cubes of paneer to the gravy and mix gently. Stir in the cream and kasuri methi, then add a drizzle of honey for a slight sweetness. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust salt and seasoning as required. -
Layering the Biryani:
Now, it’s time to assemble the biryani. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, start by layering a portion of the cooked rice at the bottom. Add a generous layer of the paneer butter masala mixture on top. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of rice. -
Finishing Touches:
Garnish the top layer with fried onions, fresh coriander, mint leaves, and cashews. Drizzle some ghee over the top for added richness. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or foil to lock in the flavors. -
Dum Cooking:
Place the pot on low heat and cook for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to fuse together. This step, called “dum,” helps all the ingredients come together in perfect harmony. -
Serving:
Once done, remove the biryani from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with a side of raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 12-15 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 15-20 mg |
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
- For a richer taste, you can use full-fat cream instead of regular cream.
- To make the biryani even more indulgent, you can layer the rice and paneer butter masala with some fried onions or roasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- For an added smoky touch, you can give the biryani a ‘dum’ (smoke) effect by adding a small piece of charcoal, heating it, and placing it on top of the biryani with a little ghee in a small bowl.
Enjoy this delightful and hearty Paneer Butter Masala Biryani at your next special occasion or family meal!
