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🌟 Introduction
Paneer Biryani is a delicious, layered rice dish made with fragrant basmati rice, marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese), caramelized onions, and aromatic spices. It's the vegetarian equivalent of chicken or mutton biryani and just as indulgent.
This Special Paneer Biryani is cooked dum-style, sealing in flavor, and delivering a perfectly balanced, rich, and spicy biryani experience.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course, Veg
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Cost: 100

Ingredients

For the Rice

  • 1½ cups basmati rice long grain, soaked for 30 mins
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 –3 cloves
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 1 small piece of cinnamon
  • Salt to taste

For the Marinated Paneer

  • 250 g paneer cubed
  • ¼ cup yogurt curd
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Few drops of lemon juice
  • A handful of mint and coriander leaves chopped

For the Biryani

  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • A pinch of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
  • ¼ cup fried onions for layering
  • Fresh mint and coriander for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
  • Add salt and whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon).
  • Add soaked rice and cook till 80% done. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Paneer

  • Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl.
  • Add paneer cubes and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala

  • In a deep pan, heat ghee or oil and fry the onions until golden and crisp. Set aside half for layering.
  • In the same pan, add marinated paneer and sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Turn off heat.

Step 4: Assemble & Layer the Biryani

  • In a heavy-bottomed pan, layer half the rice, then the paneer masala, some fried onions, and herbs.
  • Repeat with remaining rice. Top with fried onions, saffron milk, and fresh mint/coriander.

Step 5: Dum Cooking

  • Cover with a tight lid or seal with dough.
  • Cook on low flame for 10–15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 more minutes.
  • Gently fluff before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with raita, papad, or salad
  • Add a side of green chutney or pickle for extra flavor
  • A cold glass of sweet lassi makes a great combo

💡 Tips

  • You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for variation
  • Don't overcook paneer or it may turn rubbery
  • Use a heavy pan or place a griddle (tava) under the pot to avoid burning during dum

🧠 Nutrition Highlights

    ✅ Good protein from paneer

      ✅ Flavor-packed and hearty

        ✅ A great vegetarian option for special occasions