- August 12, 2025
Paneer Biryani Recipe | Flavorful Vegetarian Delight with Indian Spices
Biryani is one of the most celebrated dishes in India — a symphony of basmati rice, fragrant spices, and rich flavors. While chicken and mutton biryani often steal the spotlight, vegetarians have an equally royal option: the Paneer Biryani Recipe. Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, adds a creamy and protein-rich element to this classic dish.
Whether you’re making an easy paneer biryani recipe for a weeknight dinner, a traditional paneer dum biryani recipe for guests, or experimenting with paneer biryani recipe south Indian style, this dish always delivers warmth, comfort, and irresistible taste.
Why Choose Paneer Biryani?
Rich in protein – Ideal for vegetarians and kids.
Balanced meal – Paneer provides protein, rice adds carbs, and spices boost immunity.
Versatile – Can be made in multiple ways: Hyderabadi, Kerala, or even Instant Pot.
Comfort food – Perfect for celebrations, lunch boxes, or weekend indulgence.
Restaurant-like taste at home – The paneer biryani recipe restaurant style is achievable with simple steps.
Popular Styles of Paneer Biryani Recipe
Paneer Biryani Recipe Indian Style – Rich, spiced, and made with yogurt marinade.
Paneer Biryani Recipe South Indian Style – Features coconut, curry leaves, and local masalas.
Paneer Dum Biryani Recipe – Slow-cooked with layers for enhanced flavor.
Paneer Biryani Recipe Hyderabadi Style – Dum method with aromatic saffron milk and fried onions.
Paneer Biryani Recipe Kerala Style – Uses coconut milk for a silky, creamy texture.
Paneer Biryani Pressure Cooker Recipe – Quick one-pot meal for busy weekdays.
Paneer Biryani Instant Pot Recipe – Convenient modern version with minimal effort.
Paneer Biryani Without Onion and Garlic – Satvik version, light and perfect for fasting days.
Paneer Biryani with Curd – Adds creaminess and balances spices.
Paneer Biryani with Coconut Milk – Rich, unique, and aromatic.
Ingredients for Paneer Biryani Recipe
For Rice:
1½ cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cups water
1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 cardamoms, ½ tsp salt
For Paneer Masala:
250 g paneer (cubed)
1 cup curd (whisked)
1 onion (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies (slit)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 1 star anise
2 tbsp ghee or oil
Fresh mint & coriander leaves (handful each)
Saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Paneer Biryani
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse rice 2–3 times until water runs clear.
Boil 4 cups water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, and salt.
Cook rice until 90% done, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate Paneer
Mix whisked curd, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
Add paneer cubes and let them rest for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala
Heat ghee in a heavy pan.
Add cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, sauté for aroma.
Add onions, fry until golden brown.
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
Add tomatoes and cook until they soften.
Add coriander powder, cumin powder, and marinated paneer.
Cook until masala thickens and paneer absorbs flavors.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani (Paneer Dum Biryani Recipe)
In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread half the rice.
Layer with paneer masala, then add mint, coriander, and saffron milk.
Top with remaining rice and garnish again with herbs.
Seal the pot and cook on low flame for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Gently fluff without breaking rice.
Serve with raita, papad, or pickle.
Paneer Biryani Recipe Variations
Paneer Biryani Recipe Restaurant Style – Add fried onions, cashews, and raisins for garnish.
Paneer Biryani for Lunch Box – Prepare in a pressure cooker for convenience.
Paneer Biryani Kerala Style – Replace curd with ½ cup coconut milk.
Paneer Biryani South Indian Style – Use curry leaves, fennel seeds, and coconut paste.
Paneer Biryani with Curd – For a rich, creamy texture.
Paneer Biryani Without Onion and Garlic – Use tomatoes and curd as the base.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Paneer Biryani
Don’t overcook paneer – Add towards the end to keep it soft.
Use fresh paneer – Store-bought works, but homemade tastes better.
Fluffy rice is key – Always cook rice only 90% before layering.
Marination enhances taste – Let paneer rest in curd and spices.
Dum cooking method – Brings authentic biryani flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Paneer Biryani
High in protein, ideal for vegetarians.
Rich in calcium, supports bone health.
Spices aid digestion and immunity.
Balanced meal with carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
A paneer biryani healthy recipe that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with onion or boondi raita.
Serve alongside papad and pickle for a complete meal.
Cucumber salad adds freshness to the rich biryani.
FAQs on Paneer Biryani Recipe
Q1. How to make paneer biryani quickly?
Try the paneer biryani pressure cooker recipe — everything cooks in one pot within 20 minutes.
Q2. Can I make paneer biryani in an Instant Pot?
Yes, the paneer biryani instant pot recipe is very convenient. Use sauté mode for masala, then pressure cook rice and paneer together.
Q3. Can I prepare paneer biryani without onion and garlic?
Absolutely! The paneer biryani without onion and garlic version uses tomatoes, curd, and spices for flavor.
Q4. How to make paneer biryani South Indian style?
Add coconut milk, curry leaves, and fennel seeds for authentic paneer biryani recipe south Indian style.
Q5. What is the best side dish for paneer biryani?
Onion raita, pickle, papad, and fresh salad complement the best paneer biryani recipe perfectly.
Interesting Facts
The Paneer Biryani Recipe is a true vegetarian indulgence that combines fluffy rice, aromatic spices, and soft paneer cubes into one irresistible dish. Whether you opt for a paneer dum biryani recipe, a paneer biryani recipe Hyderabadi style, or a paneer biryani recipe Kerala style, this dish always feels festive and comforting.
From an easy paneer biryani recipe for beginners to a paneer biryani restaurant style feast, the options are endless. With its nutritional benefits, customizable variations, and authentic flavors, paneer biryani is a dish you’ll return to again and again.
So, next time you crave a royal vegetarian meal, try this best paneer biryani recipe and experience the richness of spices and the creaminess of paneer in every bite.
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