Paneer Biriyani

Try this Paneer Biriyani recipe, or contribute your own.

Paneer Biriyani
Paneer Biriyani
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Try this Paneer Biriyani recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 3
vegetarian white meat free gluten free red meat free shellfish free contains dairy pescatarian
main dish

Step-by-step

  • Grind together masala powders (coriander+turmeric+chilli powder) + fennel seeds with 1 tbsp water to a fine paste. Keep it aside.
  • Crush the whole spices (cinnamon+cardamom+cloves).
  • Heat ghee/oil in a deep bottom pan & add the crushed whole spices.
  • Add finely sliced onions & salt. Cook till the onions become golden brown in colour.
  • Add ginger & garlic paste. Cook for 3-4 mins.
  • Add the ground masala paste & cook till the raw smell goes, it will take around 2-3 mins.
  • Add sliced tomato & cook. When oil starts appearing add yogurt & chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
  • Add paneer cubes & cover & cook for 5-7 mins.
  • If you are using cashew paste, add at this stage. Cook for a few more minutes & remove from fire.
  • Cook the rice in the normal method & drain the excess water.
  • Preheat the oven to 180 degree, 10 minutes before baking the biriyani.
  • Apply some ghee to a baking dish.
  • Put one layer of rice in the dish. On top of that spread some masala and make another layer.
  • Again spread another layer of rice on top of the masala. Repeat the process until the masala and rice is finished. The top layer should be of rice.
  • You can drizzle ghee & sprinkle coriander & mint leaves in between the layers.
  • Cover the dish with a wet cloth. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
  • Alternative method (without oven): Layer the rice and masala in a greased heavy bottomed vessel/non stick pan & cover it with a tight lid. Heat a thava/dosa kallu, when it is really hot, place the biriyani vessel on top of that. Reduce the heat to the lowest flame & cook for 20-25 mins. Keep the heat at the lowest flame throughout, otherwise it might get burnt. Also place a pan of boiling water on top of the biriyani vessel at the same time.
  • Garnish the biriyani with fried onions, cashews & raisins & coriander & mint leaves.

A Home-Cook's Delight: Paneer Biriyani

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can often feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present demands of work. But despite the chaos, I cherish the moments when I can create something special in the kitchen, a meal that brings my family together and nourishes our souls. This Paneer Biriyani recipe is one of those cherished recipes - relatively quick, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The aroma of warm spices, the tender paneer cubes, and the fluffy basmati rice create a symphony of flavors that transport you to a cozy kitchen somewhere far away, where time slows down and allows for moments of quiet connection. I love how adaptable this recipe is. Sometimes, I use frozen paneer for convenience, other times I opt for freshly made. The beauty of cooking is this flexibility – the ability to adjust to your daily rhythm and still create a masterpiece.

The layering process is a therapeutic ritual for me, a moment of mindful creation. Each layer is a testament to my intention to feed my family well – a nourishing act of love built one rice grain and paneer cube at a time. I have perfected several variations of this dish over the years; sometimes it’s a quick weeknight dinner, while others, a slow-cooked marvel, simmered to perfection in a traditional pot over a gentle flame. The result is always the same – a heartwarming, comforting dish that brings my family closer together.

The process of creating this dish reminds me of the many journeys I've taken throughout my life. Each step, from preparing the fragrant spice blend to carefully arranging the layers of rice and paneer, mirrors the journey of life – each experience, challenge, and success shaping the final outcome. And much like the final dish, my life’s experiences have always culminated in something delicious and rewarding, something worth sharing and savoring.

Beyond the practical aspects of its ease and deliciousness, this recipe also holds sentimental value. It's a dish that echoes memories of family gatherings, warm evenings spent together, and the simple joy of sharing a meal around a table. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for those moments of connection and nourishment, both in body and soul. And as a busy mom, that means everything.

I encourage you to try this recipe, to embrace the joy of creating something delicious and special, even with a limited amount of time. Adjust it to your own preferences and enjoy the process. It's not just about the food; it's about the love and care that goes into every step of the way. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

For the Masala:

  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 small piece cinnamon
  • 3 cloves
  • 3 cardamom
  • 3 finely sliced onions
  • 1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste each
  • 1 sliced tomato
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 3-4 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
  • 1-2 tbsp cashew paste (optional)
  • Ghee or oil
  • Salt to taste

For the Rice:

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • Water (adjust according to your rice cooking method)
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing:

  • 1 finely sliced & fried onion
  • A handful of fried cashews & raisins
  • Coriander & mint leaves
  • 250 gms paneer, cut into cubes
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