Meal Prep · North Indian
Paneer Biryani
A fragrant and flavorful North Indian one-pot vegetarian rice dish with succulent paneer cubes.
Ingredients
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Step-by-step- Rinse Basmati rice thoroughly and soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Heat ghee/oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for 1-2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and biryani masala. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates.
- Reduce heat, add whisked yogurt gradually, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently add paneer cubes, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
- Layer the soaked and drained rice over the paneer mixture. Sprinkle salt evenly.
- Pour hot water carefully over the rice. If using saffron milk, drizzle it over the rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15-20 minutes (or 1 whistle in a pressure cooker), until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork.
- Garnish with fried onions and fresh coriander before serving hot with raita.
Nutrition
Per serving| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Storage & Freezer Guide
Make it last Refrigerator 3-4 days
Store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezer Up to 1 month
For longer storage, freeze cooled biryani in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat Stovetop/Microwave
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave until thoroughly heated through. Cover while reheating to retain moisture.
Chef’s Corner
- For perfectly cooked rice, ensure your water-to-rice ratio is accurate. Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and prevents stickiness.
- Don’t overmix the biryani after adding the rice and water; this can break the rice grains. Gentle fluffing after resting is key.
- To enhance flavor, use homemade biryani masala and fresh, good-quality paneer. Marinating the paneer in a little yogurt and spices before adding can also add depth.
