Tofu Biryani

Tofu is a great substitute for Paneer. Tofu also known as bean curd is made with soy milk. Tofu is

 rich in Protein and contains all nice essential amino acids. You can make any dish with paneer

 starting for an appetizer to main course. Today's recipe I have made it for a vegan friend who loves

 my Biryani.  This is similar to the Paneer Biryani which I made earlier skipping yogurt and ghee.

This recipe goes to week 2 day 1 of Blogging Marathon 125 under the theme " Biryani / Pulao

 recipes".

Ingredients:

Paneer cubes 2 cups

Onion sliced 1/4 cup

Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Biryani masala 2 tbsp

Chili powder 1/2 tsp

Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp

Oil 1 tbsp

Ingredients for Rice:

Basmathi rice 2 cups

Green cardamom 2

Cinnamon stick 1 inch

Bay leaf 1

Cloves 4

Star anise 1

Shajeera 1/2 tsp

Oil 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Ginger garlic paste 1/4 tsp

Extra Ingredients:

Mint leaves 1/4 cup

Coriander leaves 1/2 cup

Oil 2 tbsp

Fried onions for garnish

Preparation:

In a mixing bowl add tofu cubes, ginger garlic paste, biryani masala, turmeric powder, chili

 powder, salt and 1 tbsp oil.

Mix everything well and set aside for 30 mins.

Wash rice thoroughly couple of time and soak in water for 30 minutes.

After 30 mins in a  big vessel, add water and all the whole spices ( cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, start

 anise, bay leaf, shajeera ) salt, ginger garlic paste and oil.

Bring water to boil, now add soaked basmati rice and cook till its 80 % cooked. 

Meanwhile in a non stick pan add 2 tbsp oil, add sliced onions and fry till they turn transparent.

Add  the marinated tofu and cook on medium flame. 

Add mint leaves and 1/2 of coriander leaves.

Cook till oil separates and set aside.

Once rice is cooked 80%, drain water and set aside.

Take a large deep pan and grease it with oil.

Spread 1/2 of the cooked rice, top it with cooked tofu and top it with rest of the rice.

Spread rice evenly, add fried onions and chopped coriander.

Place a dosa pan on the stove and place the biryani pot on top of it, cover it and cook on high flame

 for 10 minutes.

Now lower the flame and cook for 25-30 minutes.

Serve hot.

Check to see what my fellow bloggers are cooking for Blogging Marathon 125.