Paneer Biryani is one of the tastiest vegetarian biryani recipes that you can easily prepare at home. It is made with fresh paneer, basmati rice, spices, and herbs. This recipe is simple, full of flavor, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions. Follow this easy homemade Paneer Biryani recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 250 grams paneer (cut into cubes)
- 2 onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 2 tablespoons curd
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Wash the basmati rice well and soak it for 20 minutes. Cook the rice until it is about 90% done. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
Step 2: Fry the Paneer
Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly fry the paneer cubes for 1-2 minutes. Do not fry for too long, as the paneer may become hard. Keep them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala
Heat oil and ghee in a large pan. Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Fry for a few seconds until they release a nice aroma.
Add sliced onions and fry until they turn golden brown.
Now add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
Add curd and mix well.
Now add mint leaves, coriander leaves, and the fried paneer cubes. Mix gently and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Rice
Add the cooked rice over the paneer masala. Gently mix everything without breaking the rice.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low flame for 10 minutes (dum cooking).
Step 5: Serve
Switch off the flame and let the biryani rest for 5 minutes.
Serve hot with onion raita, cucumber salad, or vegetable curry.
Read this too : How to make Kakinada Kaja
Tips
- Use fresh paneer for a soft and tasty biryani.
- Basmati rice gives the best aroma and taste.
- Do not overcook the rice.
- Cook on low flame during the final dum for better flavor.
- You can add fried onions on top for extra taste.
Conclusion
Homemade Paneer Biryani is simple to prepare and tastes just like restaurant-style biryani. With soft paneer, fragrant rice, and flavorful spices, this recipe is perfect for family meals and weekend cooking. Try this easy recipe at home and enjoy a delicious vegetarian biryani with your loved ones.
