Paneer Tikka Dum Biryani

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka:

• 250g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

For Biryani:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup fried onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 tablespoon biryani masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (for garnish)

Calories (approximate): (Note: Caloric values may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used)

Preparation Steps:

For Paneer Tikka:

Step 1: In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and oil.

Step 2: Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Thread the marinated paneer onto skewers and grill or bake until the paneer is golden brown.

For Biryani:

Step 1: In a large pot, heat ghee and oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 2: Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 3: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil separates.

Step 4: Add biryani masala, chopped mint leaves, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.

Step 5: Add the grilled paneer tikka to the pot and gently mix with the masala.

Step 6: In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water. Add soaked and drained basmati rice, and cook until it's 70% cooked. Drain the water.

For Assembly:

Step 1: Layer the partially cooked rice over the paneer tikka masala in the pot.

Step 2: Sprinkle fried onions (if using) and drizzle saffron-infused milk on top.

Step 3: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it on a very low flame (dum cooking) for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to cook completely.

Step 4: Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork, ensuring not to break the rice.

Step 5: Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.

Step 6: Serve the flavorful Paneer Tikka Dum Biryani hot with raita or a side of your choice.

This Paneer Tikka Dum Biryani is a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of paneer tikka with the fragrant and aromatic essence of biryani. Perfect for a special meal that will leave your taste buds delighted.