How to Make Paneer Biryani Recipe in Pressure Cooker Easily at Home

If you love biryani but don’t want to spend hours cooking, then this guide on How to Make Paneer Biryani Recipe in Pressure Cooker is perfect for you. This method is quick, simple, and packed with authentic flavors. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this Easy Paneer Biryani Recipe will help you make a delicious, aromatic, and restaurant-style biryani in no time.

How to Make Paneer Biryani Recipe in Pressure Cooker- Fixpire
Image source- Google | Image by- Biryanwi

 

Paneer Biryani Recipe

Paneer Biryani is a flavorful and rich dish that combines fragrant basmati rice, soft paneer cubes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally, biryani is slow-cooked using the dum method, but using a pressure cooker makes the process much faster without compromising on taste. This Homemade Paneer Recipe is a perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this Quick Pressure Cooker Biryani effortlessly.

 

Ingredients Required

For Marinating Paneer:

  • 200g paneer (cubed)
  • ¼ cup thick curd (yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Biryani Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamoms
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh curd
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fried onions (for garnish, optional)

 

How to Make Paneer Biryani Recipe in Pressure Cooker

How to Make Paneer Biryani Recipe in Pressure Cooker- Fixpire
Image source- Google | Image by- Sanjeev Kapoor

 

Step 1: Marinate the Paneer

  • In a mixing bowl, combine curd, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice.
  • Add the paneer cubes and mix well to coat them evenly with the marinade.
  • Cover and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps in enhancing the flavor of the paneer.

 

Step 2: Preparing the Biryani Base

  • Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
  • Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamoms, and cumin seeds. Saute until they release a fragrant aroma.
  • Fry the sliced onions until they become caramelized and golden brown.
  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma fades. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.
  • Add the marinated paneer cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the masala coats them well.

 

Step 3: Cooking the Biryani in Pressure Cooker

  • Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the pressure cooker, stirring gently.
  • Pour in fresh curd and mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  • Add water and season with salt as needed.
  • Sprinkle chopped coriander and mint leaves on top.
  • Close the lid and cook on a medium flame for 2 whistles.
  • Turn off the stove and wait for the pressure to release naturally.

 

Step 4: Alternative Cooking Methods

Cooking Paneer Biryani in a Pot

  • Follow the same preparation steps as mentioned above but use a heavy-bottomed pot instead of a pressure cooker.
  • After adding rice and water, cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Turn off the flame and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Making Paneer Biryani in an Instant Pot

  • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and follow the preparation steps up to adding rice.
  • Add water and close the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  • Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then fluff the biryani gently before serving.

Dum Style Paneer Biryani

  • Cook the rice and paneer masala separately.
  • Layer them in a thick-bottomed pan, add some ghee, and cover tightly with a lid or foil.
  • Cook on a very low flame for 15 minutes for the best flavor infusion.

 

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

  • Gently fluff the biryani with a fork to keep the rice grains separate.
  • Garnish with fried onions if desired.
  • Serve hot with raita, salad, or pickle for a complete meal.

 

Tips for the Best Paneer Biryani

  • Always use fresh paneer for a soft texture.
  • Soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes for long and fluffy grains.
  • Do not overcook the biryani, as pressure cooking retains moisture.
  • Adding curd enhances the richness and flavor of the dish.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk before serving.

 

Why Choose a Pressure Cooker for Biryani?

Cooking biryani in a pressure cooker saves time while keeping all the flavors intact. Unlike the traditional dum method, a pressure cooker ensures even cooking in a short time, making it a great option for busy days.

 

Variations of Paneer Biryani

1. Spicy Version: Increase the quantity of red chili powder and garam masala for a fiery kick.
2. Veggie Delight: Add carrots, peas, and bell peppers along with paneer.
3. Dum Style Biryani: After pressure cooking, keep the cooker covered for 10 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
4. No-Onion No-Garlic Version: Skip onions and garlic and use more yogurt and spices for flavor.

 

Conclusion

Paneer Biryani is a fantastic dish that brings together the richness of spices and the softness of paneer. Whether you prepare it in a pressure cooker, pot, or Instant Pot, the flavors remain delightful and aromatic. With minimal effort, you can serve a restaurant-style biryani at home, making it an excellent choice for family meals or special occasions.

If you enjoyed this Paneer Biryani Recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Try it at home and let us know your experience in the comments below. For more quick and delicious recipes, follow our blog and stay updated.

 

 

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