Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight

2 hours

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4.41 from 5 votes

About Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight

Craving a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dish? Haryali Moti Biryani is a symphony of fresh herbs and rich paneer, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine fluffy basmati rice infused with a fragrant coriander, mint, and chili paste, creating a refreshingly vibrant green canvas.
The "moti," or pearls, are deep-fried paneer balls that add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, reminiscent of Indian sweets. Served with a cooling haryali raita, this biryani offers a perfectly balanced culinary experience.
Whether it's a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this Haryali Moti Biryani recipe will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep1 hour
Cook1 hour
Total2 hours
Calories598 kcal
Serves2
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

For the Haryali Biryani

For the Haryali Raita

For the Paneer Moti

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Instructions
 

  • Soak the basmati rice in cold water for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and achieve a fluffy texture. Meanwhile, prepare the haryali paste for the biryani by blending 1 cup of coriander leaves, 1 cup of mint leaves, a 2-inch piece of ginger, 2-3 green chilies, 2 cardamom pods, 2 cloves, and a 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick into a smooth paste. Prepare a separate haryali paste for the raita using 2 tablespoons each of coriander and mint leaves, and 1-2 green chilies.
  • Heat the oil and ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped carrots, green beans, and peas. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
    Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the haryali paste for the biryani to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This allows the raw flavors of the paste to mellow and develop. Stir in the garam masala and biryani masala, cooking for another minute to release their aromas. Add the soaked and drained rice, salt, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed. Alternatively, pressure cook for 1 whistle.
    Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a bowl, combine the beaten yogurt, salt, and haryali paste for the raita. Mix well. Gently fold in the diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The coolness of the raita complements the biryani's spices perfectly.
    Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a bowl, crumble the paneer. Add the corn flour and salt. Mix well to combine. Shape the mixture into small balls. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Deep-fry the paneer balls until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. The corn flour coating helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the paneer soft inside.
    Haryali Moti Biryani with Cooling Raita: A Festive Vegetarian Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Gently fluff the cooked biryani with a fork. Garnish with the fried paneer moti. Serve hot with the cooling haryali raita.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • Place the Biryani in a bowl and invert it onto an empty plate.
  • Place the balls over the inverted Biryani and add silver varak.
  • The balls can be made using paneer, potatoes, chicken, or mutton for variation.
  • For extra flavor and aroma, lightly toast whole spices (such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon) in ghee before adding the rice to the biryani layer.
  • If you want to make the moti (paneer pearls) even more decadent, try stuffing each pearl with a tiny bit of dried fruit or finely chopped nuts before shaping and frying them.
  • To keep the herbs in the haryali paste vibrant, blend them with a splash of ice-cold water and a squeeze of lime juice.
  • For an elegant presentation, garnish the biryani with pomegranate arils and edible flowers along with the silver varak.

Expert Tips

  • Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure fluffy, separate grains.
  • Layer the biryani carefully, ensuring an even distribution of meat/vegetables and rice for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Use a good quality basmati rice for the best flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
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4.41 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 598kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 23.4gSodium: 3420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11g

Jiya Makhija
Jiya Makhija
Articles: 42
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