In India, Biriyani is taken very seriously. It’s eaten for lunch, dinner, during festivities, on weekends, and just about anytime one needs to be uplifted. Authentic Indian Biryani is fragrant, spicy, and has the softest rice. Indian Biryani secrets are sacred and shared only with those who understand the gravity of the matter. If you think Biryani is more than food and close to an emotion, this blog is for you.
Biriyani is a layered rice dish made with meat, spices and vegetables. It is extremely popular in India and is enjoyed by people worldwide. Biryani is made with soft basmati rice and marinated meat. They’re often cooked separately and brought together to create a sinful aroma. The meat is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a whole lot of spices. The rice is soft and fluffy.
The origin of Biryani
While there is still debate about how the Biryani first came into being, in India, the Mughals are the ones who graced us with the wonderful meal. In the 16th century, Biryani was first introduced to the Indian sub-continent and quickly became popular with the aristocrats. Over time, Biryani travelled across regions, and each region added their own set of spices to adapt to it. Biryani evolved through the years, influenced by the local cuisine and ingredients.
All the handprints on Biryani
Indian Biryani is a result of all the cultures that have taken their turn on the dish. From the Mughals to the British, many people took turns to perfect the Biryani. The Mughals added ingredients like saffron and almonds. At the same time, the British brought potatoes and tomatoes to India – both essential for a pot of Biryani.
Indian Biryani Secrets: One Biryani, Many versions
Indian Biryani secrets also differ depending on where you find yourself in the country. There are many different regional variations of the Biryani.
- Hyderabadi biryani – a spicy take on the regular Biryani from the city of Hyderabad. It is made with goat meat, basmati rice and a variety of spices, all coming together to have you question your spice tolerance all over again.
- Ambur Biryani – This is a popular biryani from the town of Ambur in Tamil Nadu. It is made with spicy chicken but with seeraga samba rice, known for its ability to soak in flavours without turning soggy.
- Thalassery Biryani – this is from a town in Kerala. This version of the Biryani only uses the Khaima rice – a short grain thin rice. This is popular in Malabar and uses the regional preparation of chicken. This Biryani is often served with a side of lemon pickle.
- Kashmiri Biryani – Kashmiri biryani is more vegetarian. It is made with potatoes in rice – aromatic rice with soft potatoes layered. No onion or garlic is used.
Indian Biryani secrets are also hidden in smaller elements like using a clay pot to cook the Biryani. The clay pot adds an earthen smoke, uniquely so. Biryani is also cooked in bamboo shoots, earthen pots, tandoor, wrapped in layers of leaves, etc. The spices that are used also make a world of a difference. The meat used in Biryani also varies and makes a lot of difference – chicken, lamb, goat, etc.
Biryani is a versatile dish that people from all walks can enjoy. It’s the pride of India and cannot be missed. With a side of raita to cool the spicy storm brought down by the Biryani and a little bit of achaar, Biryani is a whole meal where a little goes a long way. Prepare for the best food coma to set in after the perfect serving of Biryani, and remember – it’s more than just food; it’s an emotion.
Related articles – Global Biryani Recipes: A World Tour of Flavors!
A food enthusiast and a blogger – someone who likes to eat and write about it. I’m passionate about exploring different cuisines and challenging my palette. I give into my food craving regularly and am often on the hunt to find my new favorite food place in town.
