This aromatic and flavorful chipotle paneer biriyani is a layered fusion biriyani made with chipotle cream marinated paneer and black beans. The aroma of basmati rice, spices, and the hint of chipotle pepper marinated paneer, corn, and black beans along with herbs make this is a most comforting meal that you would ever want for!
Why Chipotle Paneer Biriyani?
Because this is one of a kind biriyani which gives the comfort of regular biriyani with a touch of Mexican flavors. Biriyani is a classic dish where layers of rice and marinated veggies, both of which are par cooked, cook together in its own steam building complex flavors.
There are quite a few reasons why this is unique.
First of all, chipotle pepper adds to the smokiness of this biriyani. That beautiful flavor is beyond comparison. Roasted poblanos and poblano pepper cream enhance the flavor further.
Next, in Mexican cooking, oregano and cilantro are most often used herbs along with green onions. This recipe uses oregano in the marinade as well as in the herb mix for layering. This gives the characteristic touch of Mexican flavors.
Furthermore, the use of salsa adds a different flavor profile and the sour cream used for marinating the paneer and beans and corn enhance the Mexican flavors.
Though cinnamon, clove, and bay leaves may be often used in Mexican foods, the other spices add to the classic Indian touch. In addition the ginger and ghee provide the comforting and satisfying flavors.
Imagine the layers of complicated flavors that the simple ingredients build. You have Mexican flavored rice, yet it is not the same as beans and rice, but with multiple layers of the flavor from spices used in biriyanis. That's what makes this a unique one!
Overall, this fusion biriyani is to steal the classic biriyani lovers as well as young generations exploring other cuisines. With two comforting cuisine in a comforting balance is ideal for the meal, making any day a special day. Now tell me, won't this be your favorite one?
Ingredients
The following ingredients are required for making this delicious biriyani.
Basmati rice - Aromatic long grain rice is used in this recipe.
Salt - gives flavor.
Paneer - Semi-soft cheese, paneer, is yet another star of the recipe. This also adds to the nutritional profile by adding more proteins and calcium.
Salsa - This is a delicious twist to the recipe. Use homemade or storebought salsa, and salsa with different spice levels for delicious twist to this biriyani.
Herbs - this recipe uses cilantro, mint, green onions, and oregano. This mixture gives the fusion aroma and flavor to this fusion biriyani.
Black beans and corn - This combo is most loved in our home whether it is a quesadilla or Mexican beans and rice. This adds to the classic touch of Mexican flavors while adding proteins and fiber to the food.
Spices - This biriyani uses the usual spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cumin, whole cardamom, cardamom, bayleaves, cumin, and fennel.
Spice powders -This recipe uses homemade Biriyani masala and cumin powder. These add flavor and aroma to the biriyani.
Turmeric - adds color and enhances immunity.
Water - to cook the rice
Poblano cream, Achiote powder, and saffron - Saffron milk, achiote powder, and poblano cream add to the Mexican and Indian flavors. These are spinkled in the layering of the biriyani.
Peppers - Roasted poblano pepper and chipotle pepper add to the smoky flavors. The spiciness is further enhanced by the serrano pepper and Chile de arbol. Further, jalapeno adds to the crunch and adds a mild flavor kick.
Ghee - This is the fat that is used to cook the biriyani just like traditional ones. This ads to the nutty flavor and a touch of Indian cuisine.
Fried onions - These add to the sweet spicy flavor. Homemade or store bught ones can be added.
Onion, ginger, and garlic - these bulbs and underground stem add to the flavor and aroma of the biriyani.
Sour cream - This is used to marinate the paneer instead of yogurt.
Lime juice - A little lime juice or wedges of lime add to the flavor balance.
Storage
This biriyani has paneer cheese and it is a great idea to refrigerate if you have any leftovers. It stores well for upto four days. When needed, just reheat it in microwave. Therefore this is for packing the leftovers for next day lunch.
Serving Suggestions
This fusion biriyani is an amazing choice for weekend brunch! SIt with a bowl of this biriyani with your family and the rest would happen by itself. Food builds memories and this meal which is tasty and comforting will ensure happy times with your loved ones.
This biriyani is also easy to double if you are making for a larger crowd. As this is super tasty biriyani, everyone will love this biriyani.
Variation
This recipe uses salsa instead of tomatoes. Salsa has extra flavors and different types of tomato salsa could be used with different spice levels to add different flair to the end product. Use mild salsa or ghost pepper salsa for delicious twist to your meal.
Important Tip
The rice should be 70% cooked. The remaining should be done when it is layered with parcooked veggie mix, and cooked together. To get the best results, soak the rice for 15-20 minutes. Then cook in boiling water for only 6 minutes. Immediately drain the water from the rice stopping its cooking. This ensures in cooking the rice to perfection without a mushy texture.
Next, it has to be steamed, 'Dum', that means it cooks in its own steam. I would suggest using a heavy bottomed pan to layer the rice and veggie mixture. Heat a cast-iron pan and when it gets hot enough, place the heavy bottomed pan with layers, seal the top and place it on the cast iron pan. Allow it to cook in this manner for 20 minutes. This ensures the steam developed inside the container to circulate inside completing the cooking process of veggies and rice. That is also the reason why people love perfect flavored and rextured biriyani.
More Biriyani Recipes
Biriyani is a flavorful dish which is a people favorite dish for everyone. Layers of parcooked rice and veggies which cooks in its own steam makes a wonderful meatless version of the popular biriyani. Make this delicious Vegetable Dum Biriyani which speaks for itself. At the same time, you can make vegan biriyani as well and I suggest you try this Vegan Cranberry Biriyani. Though biriyani is usually made with layering rice and marinated veggies, you could cook all of this one pot style like this Beans Biriyani. Biriyani makes the occasion very special and these biriyani recipes will help you make a splendid day entertaining everyone with delciious food.
About the group....
For this month's challenge Seema of Mildly Indian gave the theme of "Biriyanis and Pulaos". This Mexican-Indian fusion biriyani is my share for the theme and Preethi gave tomato salsa and cloves as the secret ingredients. She made this delicious pulao with star anise and poppy seeds as the secret ingredients given by me. Make sure to checkout this Karnataka Style Veggie pulao for yet another delciious meal.
More Mexican Fusion Recipes
We love to explore different cuisines as the entire family are foodies! Mexican cuisines has much similarities to our cuisine and hence it is often made in our home. Though we love many authentic recipes like Chipotle Tacos de Papa or enchilada, or chip and salsa, like Xnipec Salsa or Strawberry Salsa, we also try many fusion recipes with both the cuisines. Chole Chilaquiles and Vegan Mixed Dal Fajitas are great recipes that you would make often. They are simply amazing!
Chipotle Paneer Biriyani
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 1½ Cups Basmati Rice
- 1½ tbsp Salt
- 6 cups Water
- 1 Star anise
- 2-in Cinnamon
- 3 Cloves
- 2 Cardamom
- ½ tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Fennel
- 1 Serrano
- 1 Chile de arbol
For marination
- 2 Chipotle pepper with 1tbsp of the sauce
- ¼ cup Sour cream
- 1 tsp Salt
- 300 g Paneer cubed
- ¾ cup Black beans cooked
- ¾ cup Corn
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 tbsp Water
- 2 tbsp Ginger chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Lime juice
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
For cooking
- 4 tbso Ghee
- 1 cup Sliced onion
- 1/3 cup Jalapenos chopped
- 1 tsp Cumin powder 1
- 1 tbsp Biriyani masala
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
For layering
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1/4 tsp Achiote powcer
- 1 tbsp Warm milk
- 1/4 tsp Saffron
- 1/2 cup Mint
- 3 tbsp Green onion
- 3 tbsp Oregano fresn
- 4 tbsp Cilantro
- 4 tbsp Poblano cilantro cream
- 1 Poblano pepper
- 2 tbsp Jalapeno optional
- 3 tbsp Fried onions
Instructions
- Grind the ginger, garlic, chipotle pepper with sauce to a smooth paste with a tablespoon of water.
- Add this paste, sour cream, oregano, salt, lime juice, oregano to a bowl, and combine thoroughly. Add the paneer, black beans, and corn. Mix and set aside for 20-30 minutes.
- Soak the rice for 15 minutes and drain it completely.
- In the meantime, roast the poblano peppers and set aside for them to cool. Peel and chop the peppers.
- Heat ghee in a pan. Add the cumin and fennel seeds, fry for 30 seconds. Add the chopped jalapeno pepeprs and onion and cook for 4 minutes.
- Add cinnamon, cloves, fennel, cardamom, star anise, whole cardamom, bay leaf, cumin, serrana pepper, and chile de arbol to water and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and cook the rice for 6 minutes.
- To the onion mixture, add the salsa followed by the biriyani masala, coriander cumin powder, turmeric, and cayenne or chili powder. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the marinated paneer mixture, add quarter cup water and cook for 4-5 minutes. Set this aside.
- Drain the rice in a collander and set aside.
- Mix saffron with warm milk and achiotte with water. Set aside.
- For assembly: Divide the rice into three portions and add one part of the rice to a heavy bottomed pan. Next, divide the paneer mixture into half, add one part on top of the rice. Sprinkle with cilantro, mint, green onions, oregano. Add next part of the rice. Sprinkle with half of the poblano peppers, poblano cream, half of achiote water and saffrom milk and fried onions.
- Repeat the layering one more time by adding the remaining half od the paneer mixture followed by rice, pobleno peppers, mint, cilantro, oregano, green onions, poblano cream, remaining acjioote water and saffron milk, sliced jalapenos, and fried onions.
- Cover with a lid, place the pan on a heated cast-iron pan. Reduce the heat and Steam for 20 minutes.
- Serve the chipotle paneer biriyani with a little poblano cream or sour cream on the side.
Kalyani says
We love Mexican, and we love Biryani. This fusion version is exciting, enticing and looks an absolute winner, Radha !
magicalingrdnts says
It is a winner! Thanks Kalyani.
Preethicuisine says
I am in love with this unique fusion Biryani. It is bursting with flavors . Bookmarking to try it .
magicalingrdnts says
Thank you Preethi!
Archana says
Wow! This is a delicious fusion recipe. I love the Mexican flavours flavours packed in this meal.
magicalingrdnts says
Thank you Archana. It is a super delicious fusion meal giving the comfort of two different cuisines.
Vasusvegkitchen says
It's very unique biryani with fusion and classic touch. And it's a big feast for panner and biryani lovers. Biryani looks very tempting and it's healthy too..
Renu says
Oh wow, this is interesting, with chipotle marinate. A nice way to enjoy some Mexican flavors with the Indian fusion. Bookmarking this.
Sasmita Sahoo says
Just love this unique fusion Biryani. Simply bursting with flavors, would love to try sometimes dear !
magicalingrdnts says
Do let me know how you loved it. Thanks, Sasmita.