POT#18 PANEER BIRYANI

Paneer biryani is scrumptious variety rice filled with the richness of Indian spices. The flavor comes from by binding the marinated paneer and onion along with the Basmati rice. A delight for the Paneer lovers.

Try out your favorite Paneer biryani today at home.

Preparation

Dish: Paneer Biryani

Category: Rice variety

Time: Preparation time   - 10 minutes

            Resting time           - 30 minutes

            Cooking time          - 20 minutes

Quantity: 3 servings

Let us now check out the required ingredients.

Ingredients:

Basmati rice                      - 1 cup

Onion(sliced)                     - 1

Tomato(finely chopped)     - 1

Bay leaf                              - 1 

Star anise                           - 1  

Cinnamon                           - 1 inch  

Cardamom pods                 - 2  

Coriander leaves(chopped)- 2 tbsp

Butter                                  - 1 tbsp   

Water                                  - 1 1/2 cups

For Marination:

Paneer(cubed)                    - 200gm    

Onion(petals)                      - 1/2  

Capsicum(cubed)                - 1/2

Curd(Thick)                         - 1 cup

Ginger Garlic Paste             - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder                  - 1/4 tsp

Red Chili powder                 - 3/4 tsp

Biryani masala                     - 2 tbsp

Coriander(chopped)            - 2 tbsp 

Mint leaves(chopped)           - 2 tbsp

Oil                                         - 1 tsp

Lemon juice                           - 1/2 

Salt                                        - 1 tsp

Procedure:

1. In a mixing bowl, take a cup of curd. Add a tsp of ginger garlic paste, 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder, 3/4 tsp of red chili powder, and 2 tbsp of biryani masala.

   
2. Now add 2 tbsp chopped coriander, 2 tbsp mint, 1 tsp of oil, the juice from 1/2 lemon, and 1 tsp of salt.

   
3. Combine the mixture well. 

   
4. Add the cubed paneer, onion petal, and cubed capsicum.

   
5. Combine everything well and marinate for 30 minutes.

   
6. Rinse and soak a cup of Basmati rice for 20 minutes.

   
7. In the meantime, heat a pressure cooker, add a tbsp of butter.

   
8. Now add bay leaf, cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom pods.

   
9. Add the sliced onions and saute it well.

   
10. Now add the chopped tomatoes to it. Saute it till the tomatoes turn mushy.

    
11. Add the marinated mixture to the cooker. Gently, mix it well.

    
12. Drain the excess water from the soaked basmati rice and add the rice to the pressure cooker.

    
13. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water to the cooker.

    
14. Close the cooker along with the cooker weight. Cook it for 15 mins in medium flame or 2 whistles in high flame.

    
15. Meanwhile, take a pan and add a tsp of butter to it. Saute the paneer and sliced onions separately until it turns golden brown.

    
16. Now garnish the rice with sauteed paneer, onions and coriander leaves.

    
17. Serve it hot and enjoy the biryani along with your favorite raita.

    

    
    

Tips and Tricks:

1. Adjust the spiciness of the dish as per your taste. 
2. Marinating the paneer makes the paneer soft and tasty. Marinate at least for 20-30 minutes for a rich flavor.
3. You can substitute lemon juice with 1 tsp of dry mango powder.
4. The quantity of water may vary for different brands of basmati rice, check out the required quantity of water required to cook the basmati rice you posses.
5. Finally, don't saute the paneer too long, it may turn hard and rubbery.
6. Paneer biryani tastes great when served hot.