Paneer Biryani Recipe – How to Make This Aromatic Rice Dish

Paneer biryani is a flavorful rice preparation that is immensely popular at Indian weddings and celebrations. The aromatic spices infused rice layered with fried paneer makes for an irresistible one-pot meal.

This detailed recipe will guide you to make restaurant-style paneer biryani right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You Will Need

To serve 4-5 people, you will need:

For Marinated Paneer:

• 250g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup curd
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1⁄2 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• Water as required
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 4 peppercorns
• Salt to taste

For Biryani Masala:

• 1 big onion, sliced
• 5-6 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 green chilies
• Coriander leaves
• Mint leaves
• 1 tomato
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp biryani masala
• 1⁄4 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• A few saffron strands
• 2 tbsp milk
• Fried onions for garnish

Let’s start layering these aromatic ingredients for irresistible paneer biryani!

Step-By-Step Paneer Biryani Recipe

Marinating the Paneer

1. Combine curd, ginger-garlic paste, spices and salt in a bowl.
2. Add paneer cubes and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

Cooking the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, bring water, spices and salt to a boil. Add rice and cook for 7-8 minutes till 70% done. Drain excess water.
3. Spread the partially cooked rice evenly on a tray. Sprinkle saffron milk, ghee and fried onions. Mix lightly.

Preparing the Biryani Masala

1. Blend together onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chilies and mint leaves into a semi-fine paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add whole spices and bay leaf. Let them crackle.
3. Add blended masala paste. Cook on medium flame for 4-5 minutes till raw smell goes.
4. Add turmeric, biryani masala powder and salt. Mix well. Cook till oil leaves the masala.

Assembling and Cooking

1. In a deep pan, evenly spread half the biryani masala. Top with half the rice.
2. Evenly spread marinated paneer and half the masala over rice.
3. Top with remaining rice and finally the masala to seal everything.
4. Cover tightly and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes till done.
5. Let the paneer biryani sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Your aromatic and flavorful paneer biryani is now ready to relish!

Tips and Variations

• Use good quality fresh paneer cut into big cubes.
• Replace whole spices with biryan special garam masala powder.
• Add saffron soaked milk for exotic flavor.
• Finish with fried onions for crunch.
• Add nuts like cashews, almonds or pistachios.
• Use vegetable stock instead of water for cooking rice.
• Mix in raisins or dried fruits for sweetness.
• Add veggies like peas, carrots, beans etc.
• For spicy biryani, add slit green chilies to masala.

The basic recipe can be customized in many ways as per taste preferences. Play with the spices, aromatics and ingredients!

Serving Suggestions

Paneer biryani tastes great when served with:

• Raita – Cool and balance the spices
• Onion salad – Fresh flavor and crunch
• Achar or papad – For taste and variety
• Fried chili and onions – For extra tang and fun
• Kheer – Sweet rice pudding is perfect after biryani

A complete paneer biryani meal is made with the right accompaniments balancing the rich dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover paneer biryani can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. To freeze:

• Let the biryani cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe box.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, sprinkle some water and cover the container. Heat on low flame or microwave till warmed through. Fluff lightly before serving.

For best taste, its ideal to finish paneer biryani within 2 days of preparing. Reheating may cause the rice to dry out.

The Evolution of Paneer Biryani

Paneer biryani originated in India as a creative, flavorful twist on the traditional meat and veggie biryani. Paneer’s versatility and universal popularity inspired its addition to the festive one-pot rice preparation.

Different regional variations emerged based on local influences. The Lucknowi style uses milder spices while the Hyderabadi style is robust and hot. The use of saffron, kewda water, dried fruits and nuts also varies.

From local eateries to 5-star restaurants, paneer biryani is now a menu staple. Its aromatic spices combined with creamy paneer chunks layered amidst fluffy rice makes for a satisfying meal. A favorite at weddings and parties!

Why Make Paneer Biryani at Home?

Making paneer biryani at home has many advantages:

• Customize spices – Make it spicy, mild or medium hot
• Control ingredients – Use the best quality paneer and basmati rice
• Play with flavors – Experiment with saffron, kewra etc
• Add protein – Beans, peas or vegetable protein chunks
• Hygienic – Important when cooking meat and rice dishes
• Budget friendly – Much cheaper than restaurant rates
• Satisfaction – Fun and rewarding to make for your own celebration

With this easy recipe, you can impress guests with restaurant-style paneer biryani made from scratch at home.

Tips for Best Paneer Biryani

Follow these tips for success every time:

• Use good quality and fresh paneer, cut into big pieces
• Soak the rice and parboil till 70% done for fluffy grains
• Cook the masala well to avoid raw spice taste
• Layer and assemble the biryani carefully
• Use tight fitting lid for dum cooking
• Add saffron milk just before serving for color
• Garnish with fried onion and cilantro
• Serve hot paneer biryani immediately

Proper planning and technique delivers perfect biryani that is aromatic, flavorful and delicious!

Conclusion

Paneer biryani is an indulgent one-pot rice dish that is aromatic, wholesome and satisfying. With flavorful spiced rice layered in alternate batches with fried paneer, it makes for a showstopper meal.

This detailed recipe guides you to make restaurant-style paneer biryani at home using simple ingredients and techniques. Adjust spices to taste and add nuts or saffron for flair.

Whip up this crowd-pleaser for your next celebration and impress guests with your culinary skills. The goodness of hot fluffy biryani is hard to resist!