Sindhi Biryani Recipe
What is Biryani?
Biryani is a rich, flavorful, and aromatic rice dish from the Indian subcontinent. It's a combination of basmati rice, meat (such as chicken, beef, goat, or lamb), spices, and sometimes, dried fruits and nuts. The dish is known for its distinct spices and its intricate layering technique.
Who Invented Biryani?
The origins of Biryani are somewhat debated, with multiple stories existing. One popular belief is that it was brought to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals, while another attributes its creation to the cooks in the Indian subcontinent who were inspired by Persian pilaf.
Exploring the Heritage of Sindhi Biryani
Sindhi Biryani, originating from the Sindh province of Pakistan, stands out for its tangy and spicy flavor profile. It typically includes yogurt, fresh herbs, and often incorporates potatoes and dried plums (aloo bukhara) for a unique taste.
Calories in One Plate of Biryani
A single plate of chicken Biryani can contain approximately 500-800 calories, depending on the preparation and serving size.
Sindhi Biryani Recipe
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-5
Ingredients
For Biryani Masala:
- Oil: 1/4 cup
- Onion (sliced): 1 ½ cup
- Cumin seeds: 1 tbsp
- Whole black pepper: 15-20
- Star anise (Badiyan ka phool): 2-3
- Green cardamom: 4-5
- Cinnamon sticks: 2-3
- Bay leaves: 2
- Chicken: 1 kg
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
- Tomatoes (sliced): 1 cup
- Coriander powder: 1 tbsp
- Red chili powder: 1 ½ tbsp
- Cumin powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Potatoes (cubed): 4-5
- Aloo Bukhara (dried plums): 6-7
- NESTLÉ MILKPAK Yogurt: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
For Boiled Rice:
- Water: 5-6 cups
- Cumin seeds: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 ½ tbsp
- Green cardamom: 2-3
- Black cardamom: 2
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Rice (soaked): 3 cups
For Assembling:
- Prepared biryani masala
- Boiled rice
- Green coriander: as required
- Green chilies: as required
- Mint leaves: as required
- Lemon slices: as required
- Yellow food color: 1 ½ tsp
- Kewra water: 1 tsp
Method
- Prepare the Masala: Heat oil in a pot. Fry onions until golden brown. Add cumin, black pepper, star anise, green cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, and sauté. Add chicken and cook until it changes color. Mix in ginger-garlic paste. Add tomatoes, coriander powder, chili powder, cumin powder, salt, turmeric, and lemon juice. Cook till tomatoes are mushy. Add potatoes, plums, yogurt, and water. Cook till chicken and potatoes are done.
Cook the Rice: Boil water with cumin, salt, green and black cardamom, and lemon juice. Add soaked rice and cook till 80% done. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Biryani: In a large pot, layer chicken masala and rice. Add green coriander, mint, lemon slices, and green chilies. Sprinkle yellow food color and kewra water.
Steam the Biryani: Cover and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy your aromatic and flavorful homemade Sindhi Biryani with raita or salad.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Sindhi Biryani, a perfect blend of spices and flavors that promises to be a feast for your senses!
