
From the land of the Arians to the imperial spreads of the Mughal Emperors & Nawabs, Biryani has a story of its own. It’s aroma, look and richly taste doesn’t just trigger the taste buds; it fulfills one’s desire of a wholesome and pleasurable meal. Prepared with the richness of flavorful spices, yoghurt, basmati rice and soft succulent meat, Biryani has made its way to the kitchen of millions of homes and restaurants across the globe.
Derived from the Persian word “birinj” meaning rice or “beriyan” to fry or roast, Biryani is mainly prepared using any of the two methods: “pakki” cooked meat and cooked rice are layered or “kacchi” raw marinated meat is layered with rice. Traditional cooked with Mutton or Lamb, the meat is infused with a spicy yogurt marinade layered at the bottom of the pot, potatoes are often added and then covered with a layer of rice. The pot lid is sealed with wheat dough so that its aroma, flavor and texture of the meat and spices are not only stopped from escaping; it is also spreads through the rice known as “dum” style of cooking.
Biryani cooked using Chicken, Beef, Fish, Prawns or even Vegetables also tastes as delicious. Served hot with fresh salad and raita, this wholesome meal is truly a feast fit for a king.
- 1 kg cube pieces of Mutto
- 1 kg Basmati Rice soaked in 4-5 cups of water for 30 minutes
- 8 finely chopped Onions
- 350 gms chopped Tomatoes
- 3-4 Potatoes peeled and cut into half
- 3 tbsp Kausar Ginger Paste
- 1-11/2 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 6-8 Green Chillies
- 1 bundle of Mint Leaves
- 2 Lemons thinly sliced
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 1-11/2 cups of Ghee / Oil
- 1 packet of Kausar Mutton Biryani masala
- In a pot fry onion slices in hot ghee or oil till golden brown. Then add ginger, garlic paste, stir in the mutton pieces along with yogurt and Kausar Mutton Biryani masala. Fry for a few minutes till oil separates.
- Now add potatoes and 3-4 cups of water. Cover and cook on low heat till the meat and potato is tender. Stir in chopped tomatoes, green chillies and lemon juice. Cook for a few more minutes and then remove from heat.
- To a pot of 10-12 cups of boiling water add 2 tbsp of Kausar salt and soaked rice. Remove from heat once the rice is half cooked. Drain the liquid and set the rice the aside. Add yellow food coloring to 1/4 portion of rice if desired.
- Grease a large pot with ghee or oil. Add 3/4 portion of rice. Now pour the meat gravy and then layer it with 1/4 yellow rice. Garnish with mint leaves and sprinkle. Cover and cook on low heat till the rice and meat is tender.