Paneer Biryani Recipe | Veg Paneer Dum Biryani

Paneer biryani is a delicious and aromatic Indian dish that brings together the richness of paneer and the fragrant spices of biryani. This veg paneer biryani is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nutrition, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, this homemade paneer biryani will surely impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

For Marination:

• 1 cup thick curd/yogurt
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ¾ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 tbsp biryani masala
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
• 2 tbsp chopped mint/pudina
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 15 cubes paneer/cottage cheese
• ½ onion, cut into petals
• ½ capsicum, cubed

For Rice:

• 6 cups water
• 2 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves/tej patta
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 slit green chilli
• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked for 20 minutes

For Biryani:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp ghee/clarified butter
• 2 bay leaves/tej patta
• 1 star anise
• 1 black cardamom pod
• 1 mace/javitri
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp shah jeera
• ½ sliced onion
• 1 finely chopped tomato
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• 2 tbsp chopped mint/pudina
• 2 tbsp fried onions
• Pinch of biryani masala
• 2 tbsp saffron milk
• 1 tsp ghee/clarified butter
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

Marinating the Paneer:

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup curd, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, ¼ tsp turmeric, ¾ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, and 2 tbsp biryani masala.
2. Add 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 1 tsp oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt.
3. Mix well to ensure all the spices are blended.
4. Add 15 cubes of paneer, ½ onion petals, and ½ cubed capsicum. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Biryani Rice:

1. In a large vessel, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp pepper.
3. Also, add 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp oil, and 1 slit green chilli. Boil for 2 minutes to let the spices infuse the water.
4. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook for about 3 minutes or until the rice is half-cooked. Do not cook it fully.
5. Drain the rice and set it aside.

Cooking the Paneer Biryani:

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tsp ghee in a large kadai.
2. Sauté 2 bay leaves, 1 star anise, 1 black cardamom pod, 1 mace, 2 cardamom pods, and 1 tsp shah jeera.
3. Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the finely chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy.
5. Add the marinated paneer mixture and sauté well. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the sides, but be careful not to overcook the paneer to avoid it becoming rubbery.
6. Spread the half-cooked rice evenly over the paneer mixture.
7. Top with 2 tbsp chopped coriander, 2 tbsp chopped mint, and 2 tbsp fried onions.
8. Sprinkle a pinch of biryani masala, 2 tbsp saffron milk, 1 tsp ghee, and ¼ cup water.
9. Cover with aluminium foil and place the lid on the kadai. You can also seal the lid with dough for better results.
10. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Nutrition Information

Paneer biryani is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a rough estimate of its nutritional value per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams

Tips for the Perfect Paneer Biryani

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs enhance the flavor and aroma of the biryani.
2. Quality Basmati Rice: Always use good quality basmati rice for a fragrant and fluffy biryani.
3. Marinate Well: Allowing the paneer to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures it absorbs all the flavors.
4. Cook Rice Just Right: Do not fully cook the rice during the initial boiling stage to avoid it becoming mushy during the final cooking.
5. Low Heat Simmer: Cooking the biryani on low heat helps in blending the flavors well and ensures the rice is perfectly cooked.

Enjoy your homemade paneer biryani, a delightful dish that is sure to please your family and friends!