Paneer Biryani Recipe – A Royal Vegetarian Delight

Paneer Biryani is one of the most loved vegetarian biryani recipes in India, combining the richness of soft paneer cubes with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and herbs. Perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or festive feasts, this dum-cooked paneer biryani is as luxurious as any chicken or mutton biryani. Known for its royal Mughlai flavors and mouthwatering aroma, paneer biryani is a must-try for any food lover.

🛒 Ingredients for Paneer Biryani (Serves 6)

For Marination

• Paneer – 400 g (cut into medium cubes)

• Yogurt – 1 cup (thick, whisked)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Red chili powder – 1 ½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

For Rice

• Aged basmati rice – 4 cups

• Water – as needed

• Salt – 1 tbsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cloves – 5

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch

• Black cardamom – 1

For Biryani Masala

• Ghee – 4 tbsp

• Oil – 3 tbsp

• Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Green chilies – 3 (slit)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Biryani masala – 1 tsp

• Saffron strands – a pinch (soaked in ¼ cup warm milk)

• Rose water – 1 tsp (optional)

For Garnish

• Fried onions – ½ cup

• Cashews – ¼ cup (fried in ghee)

• Raisins – 2 tbsp (fried in ghee)

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Paneer

1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt.

2. Add paneer cubes, mix gently without breaking them, and set aside for 30 minutes.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice 3–4 times until water runs clear; soak for 30 minutes.

2. In a deep pot, boil water with salt, bay leaf, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, and black cardamom.

3. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Masala

1. Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown; remove half for garnish.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until soft and mushy.

4. Add mint and coriander leaves.

5. Stir in marinated paneer, cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes (do not overcook).

6. Sprinkle garam masala and biryani masala for enhanced flavor.

Step 4 – Layer the Biryani

1. Spread half of the rice over the paneer masala.

2. Drizzle saffron milk, rose water, fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

3. Add the remaining rice and repeat the garnish layer.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the pot tightly (you can seal with wheat dough for authentic dum style).

2. Cook on low flame for 20 minutes.

3. Switch off the heat and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with boondi raita, cucumber-onion salad, and roasted papad.

• It pairs wonderfully with mirchi ka salan or a simple mint chutney.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Paneer Biryani

• Use aged basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.

• Marinating paneer in yogurt and spices helps it absorb flavor without becoming chewy.

• Frying onions to a golden-brown stage enhances the richness of the biryani.

• For a Hyderabadi paneer biryani twist, add fried potatoes along with paneer.

• For extra richness, replace some water in rice cooking with vegetable stock.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Mughlai with Hyderabadi Influence

• Place of Origin: India – popular in both North and South regions

• Cultural Significance:
  Biryani has royal roots, tracing back to the Mughal era, but paneer biryani emerged as a vegetarian adaptation for communities who do not consume meat. Today, it’s a popular dish in North India, Hyderabad, and Maharashtra, served in both weddings and festivals. Its preparation often involves dum cooking, where the flavors of the rice and gravy infuse beautifully.

Interesting Facts :-
This Paneer Biryani Recipe offers a perfect balance of spices, aroma, and creaminess, making it ideal for festive celebrations, weekend dinners, or potluck parties. Whether you make it as paneer dum biryani or an easy one-pot paneer biryani, the flavors will be unforgettable.