Cheesy Delight: How to Make Flavorful Cheese Biryani

Introduction:

Cheese Biryani, a delightful twist to the traditional biryani, brings together the richness of aromatic basmati rice, the creaminess of cheese, and a medley of spices to create a dish that's both comforting and indulgent. This fusion recipe adds a cheesy touch to the beloved biryani, offering a unique and mouthwatering experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of crafting a delectable Cheese Biryani that's sure to become a favorite for cheese lovers and biryani enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients:

Basmati rice - 1 cup

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) - 1 cup (cubed)

Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) - 1 cup (chopped)

Onion - 1 large (thinly sliced)

Tomato - 1 large (chopped)

Green chili - 2 (slit)

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon

Biryani masala - 2 teaspoons

Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon

Fresh coriander leaves - a handful (chopped)

Fresh mint leaves - a handful (chopped)

Cheese - 1 cup (grated, use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar)

Cooking oil - 2 tablespoons

Ghee (clarified butter) - 2 tablespoons

Bay leaf - 1

Cinnamon stick - 1 inch

Cardamom pods - 2

Cloves - 4

Salt - to taste

Water - 2 cups

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

Rinse basmati rice in cold water and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.

Sauté Onions and Paneer:

In a large pot, heat oil and ghee. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove half of the onions for later use.

Add cubed paneer to the pot and sauté until it turns golden. Remove half of the paneer for later use.

Aromatics and Vegetables:

To the pot, add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.

Spice it Up:

Add biryani masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Layering the Biryani:

In the pot, layer half of the partially cooked rice over the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the reserved sautéed onions, paneer, and half of the grated cheese. Add chopped mint and coriander leaves.

Completing the Layers:

Add the remaining rice as the top layer. Drizzle ghee over the rice. Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese and garnish with additional mint and coriander leaves.

Dum Cooking:

Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Cook on low heat (dum) for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the cheese to melt, creating a creamy texture.

Fluff and Serve:

Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring that the layers remain intact. Serve the Cheese Biryani hot, garnished with additional sautéed onions and paneer.

Conclusion:

Cheese Biryani is a delightful fusion that brings together the creamy goodness of cheese with the aromatic charm of traditional biryani. This indulgent dish is perfect for those who love the comforting flavors of biryani and the irresistible allure of melted cheese. Treat your taste buds to a unique experience with this Cheese Biryani that's both hearty and heavenly. Enjoy the richness and cheesiness in every delicious bite!