Paneer Biryani Recipe: A Delightful Vegetarian Indian Dish
Paneer Biryani is a delectable, aromatic, and vibrant dish that is sure to captivate your senses with its rich flavors and tantalizing spices. This high-protein vegetarian biryani is an absolute favorite among Indian food lovers and a great alternative to traditional meat-based biryanis. The combination of soft cottage cheese (paneer), fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of carefully selected spices makes this dish both satisfying and comforting.
In this recipe, I will guide you through the steps to create the perfect Paneer Biryani. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a special occasion, or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the details of this flavorful dish!
Ingredients for Paneer Biryani
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 2 cups | Rinsed thoroughly |
| Cottage cheese (paneer) | 250 grams | Cut into cubes |
| Onions | 2 medium-sized | Thinly sliced |
| Tomatoes | 5 medium-sized | Finely chopped |
| Fresh ginger | 2-inch piece | Peeled and chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced or chopped |
| Green chilies | 2 | Slit lengthwise |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to spice preference |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp | |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp | |
| Whole cloves | 3 | |
| Cinnamon stick | 1-inch piece | |
| Green cardamom | 2 pods | |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves | |
| Whole black pepper | 1 tsp | |
| Ghee | 2 tbsp | You can substitute with oil if desired |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Fresh mint leaves | 4 sprigs | Finely chopped |
| Oil | As needed | For cooking the onions and spices |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fat | 15 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and cooking methods.
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 45 minutes
Total Time
- 55 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Cuisine
- Indian
Course
- Main Course
Diet
- High-Protein Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Paneer Biryani
1. Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure that all ingredients are ready. Wash the basmati rice thoroughly 2-3 times to remove excess starch. Set the rice aside to drain. Chop the cottage cheese (paneer) into cubes, slice the onions thinly, chop the tomatoes, and finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
2. Make the Ginger-Garlic-Chili Paste
In a mixer grinder, combine the ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Grind them into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside for later use.
3. Grind the Whole Spices
In the same mixer grinder, add the whole spices – cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon. Grind these into a fine powder. Keep the ground spice mix aside.
4. Cook the Onions and Spices
In a pressure cooker, heat the ghee (or oil) on medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they turn light golden brown, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Once the onions are browned, add the ginger-garlic-chili paste and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pressure cooker along with a little extra ghee (optional). Cook the tomatoes until they soften and release their juices. Now, add the bay leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the spices blend together and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
6. Add Rice and Paneer
To the mixture, add the chopped mint leaves and the washed rice. Stir gently to combine everything. Add 3 cups of water and salt to taste. Add the cubed paneer (cottage cheese) into the cooker and mix it with the rice and spice mixture.
7. Pressure Cook the Biryani
Close the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on high heat until you hear 2 whistles. After the second whistle, reduce the heat to low and let the biryani cook for another 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This step is important to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
8. Rest the Biryani
Once the pressure has released, open the lid and let the biryani rest for 5 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork. This ensures the grains of rice remain separate and light.
9. Serve
Serve your piping hot Paneer Biryani with a side of boondi raita and crispy papad for the ultimate experience. The combination of the creamy, spiced paneer with the fluffy rice makes for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Paneer Biryani
-
Rice: Using aged basmati rice gives the biryani a beautiful fragrance. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy grains.
-
Paneer: Fresh paneer works best for this dish. You can also slightly fry the paneer cubes in ghee before adding them to the biryani for a richer flavor.
-
Spices: Adjust the level of red chili powder and whole spices based on your personal spice preference. The more whole spices you use, the richer the flavor will be.
-
Mint: Fresh mint is a key ingredient in biryani, as it adds a refreshing flavor and aroma. Don’t skip it!
Serving Suggestions
- Boondi Raita: Pair your biryani with a cool, creamy boondi raita to balance out the heat and spices of the dish.
- Papad: Crispy papads provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft and flavorful biryani.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Paneer Biryani recipe is not just about good looks; it’s about bursting flavors and textures. The soft and mild paneer contrasts beautifully with the aromatic rice and warm spices, while the fresh mint and ghee infuse the dish with a rich fragrance. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a hearty meal, this vegetarian biryani will be a hit.
It’s also versatile enough to be served at a festive gathering, a casual dinner, or even for meal prepping during the week. Additionally, it’s high in protein, making it a great choice for a healthy vegetarian diet. If you’re hosting a dinner or a party, you can make this biryani in advance and simply reheat it when needed.
Enjoy your Paneer Biryani, and don’t forget to try it with a side of boondi raita and papad for the perfect combination of flavors!
