Biryani Recipe
Ingredients Summary:
- Basmati rice: 2 cups (soaked for 30 minutes)
- Chicken or lamb: 500g, cut into pieces
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Tomatoes: 2, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
- Green chilies: 2, chopped
- Biryani masala: 2 tablespoons (or garam masala)
- Saffron: A pinch, soaked in warm milk
- Whole spices: Bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves
- Coriander and mint leaves: Fresh, chopped
- Ghee or oil: For frying
- Salt: To taste
Instructions Overview:
- Cook the Rice: Boil the soaked basmati rice with whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves) until it’s 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the Meat: Marinate the chicken or lamb with yogurt, biryani masala, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Onions and Meat: In a large pot, fry the onions until golden brown, then add the marinated meat, tomatoes, and green chilies. Cook until the meat is tender.
- Layer the Biryani: In a large pot, layer the half-cooked rice over the cooked meat. Top with saffron milk, fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves.
- Dum Cooking: Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice and meat are fully cooked and aromatic.
- Serve: Fluff the biryani and serve hot with raita or salad.
For full details and step-by-step instructions, visit Chef’s Recipe – Biryani.
Biryani is a classic Indian dish known for its rich flavors, fragrant basmati rice, and tender, marinated meat (typically chicken, lamb, or beef). This biryani recipe combines a mixture of spices such as cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon with the rice and meat, layering the flavors beautifully. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, fresh herbs, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, adding texture and color. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe captures the essence of authentic Indian biryani, offering a perfect balance of spice, flavor, and aroma.