Biryani Recipe – A Fragrant & Flavourful Delight
A rich, aromatic rice dish made with fragrant spices, basmati rice, and your choice of vegetables, chicken, or meat. A staple in South Asian cuisine, Biryani is beloved for its layers of flavour and mouthwatering aroma.
📌 Recipe Details
🕒 Prep Time: Varies by type (see below)
🔥 Cook Time: Varies by type (see below)
🍽 Servings: 4-5
- Vegetable Biryani:
⏳ Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 30-40 minutes - Chicken Biryani:
⏳ Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
⏳ Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 40-50 minutes - Meat Biryani:
⏳ Marination Time: 1-2 hours
⏳ Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours (depending on the meat type and cut)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Biryani Base:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup cashews and raisins (optional)
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Whole spices: 2-3 cardamom pods, 2-3 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
For Vegetable Biryani:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, etc.)
For Chicken Biryani:
- 500g chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for marination)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
For Meat Biryani:
- 500g meat (lamb or beef)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for marination)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice.
- Cook until the rice is 70-80% cooked, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Biryani Masala Base
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add the whole spices.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt, cooking until the tomatoes soften.
- Stir in yogurt, mint, and coriander leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Cooking Instructions for Each Type
Vegetable Biryani:
- Add the chopped vegetables to the biryani base and cook for 5 minutes.
- Proceed with layering as described in Step 4.
Chicken Biryani:
- Marinate the chicken in yogurt, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Add marinated chicken to the biryani base and cook until browned.
- Proceed with layering as described in Step 4.
Meat Biryani:
- Marinate the meat in yogurt, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt for 1-2 hours.
- Add marinated meat to the biryani base and cook until tender (may take 1.5-2 hours).
- Proceed with layering as described in Step 4.
4️⃣ Layering & Dum Cooking
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, layer half of the partially cooked rice, followed by the vegetable, chicken, or meat mixture.
- Add the remaining rice on top.
- Sprinkle garam masala, fried onions, cashews, and raisins (if using) over the layers.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Biryani
✔ For extra fragrance: Add a few drops of rose water or saffron milk before layering.
✔ For a smoky flavour: Place a piece of hot charcoal inside the pot and cover for 5 minutes before serving.
✔ For fluffy rice: Do not overcook the rice in the first step.
✔ For meal prep: Biryani stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of rice is best for Biryani?
✅ Basmati rice gives the best results due to its long, fragrant grains (get yours delivered from Amazon).
Q: Can I use store-bought Biryani spice mix?
✅ Yes! Pre-made Biryani masala can be used for convenience. (shop online and have it delivered to your doorstep).
Q: Can I make Biryani in one pot?
✅ Absolutely! Cook everything in a heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring proper layering for an authentic taste. (Check out the pans available online)
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The below dishes will go perfectly with Biryani:
