Biryani originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread throughout South Asia and beyond. The dish has come to be known by different names depending on where it’s served, but no matter what it’s called, one thing remains the same: biryani is almost always comprised of at least three different components—a protein, rice, and an assortment of vegetables and spices.
Brief history of biryani
Biryani is a type of rice dish with origins in South Asia, usually made with meat and vegetables. It can also be prepared as vegetarian food. The main ingredient in this dish, used to create its distinctive flavors, is basmati rice which needs to be cooked properly before being mixed with the spices and other ingredients. Traditionally this dish takes hours to prepare, but there are now versions available which are ready in under 30 minutes. One secret ingredient not used in traditional biryani recipes but added more recently by chefs who specialize in fusion cuisine is olive oil, which has been found to complement the taste of chicken biryani and give it a rich flavor.
Ingredients
It’s hard to believe this secret ingredient, which has become ubiquitous in India, came from the Middle East. That’s right-the main ingredient in biryani originated in Persia and was brought over to India during Mughal rule. Despite being introduced so long ago, this star ingredient remains a mystery to most people–even many Indians have never tasted it before! Some say it’s clove; others argue for cardamom; still others suggest cinnamon or black pepper. No one knows for sure how this spice became so entwined with Indian cuisine (besides the obvious connection with their Persian heritage), but its presence can be felt throughout every region of the country and all across social classes.
How it’s cooked
The dish has many secrets. And not just the secret ingredients: it’s a masterful blend of spices, vegetables, and meat, seasoned with cardamom, saffron, and cumin. The grains are typically cooked separately in stock before they’re layered with the cooked vegetables. Once the dish has been assembled and steamed on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour—bringing all those delicious flavors together—the biryani is ready to be served over a bed of rice.
Ways to eat
These days, with so many options to get food delivered to your door or go out and pick it up yourself, the biryani dinner date is something that you can do anywhere in the world. We love places like New Delhi Pavilion in California where they specialize in all things Indian cuisine, and deliver their dishes straight to your door. Other than one-of-a-kind cooking creations like these, there are also countless recipes on YouTube to make delicious biryani right at home. Whether you’re making a chicken biryani dish for just yourself or for a family reunion, the deliciousness of this particular meal transcends borders and brings people together. Bon appetit!
Top recipes
Biryani can be made in many different ways. Some versions, like the Hyderabadi biryani and Chicken Korma, include yogurt as a key ingredient. Other versions, like Lucknowi biryani and Dum Pukht Fateh kebab, call for garam masala. The Hyderabadi biryani also uses saffron in the rice dish to provide a beautiful orange color. One thing every recipe has in common is the three spices: cumin seeds, coriander powder and turmeric.
How can I make biryani?
It takes a lot more than just lamb and rice to make biryani. Traditionally, the dish was originally made with spice-roasted meat along with hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, onion, garlic and various spices. These ingredients are then simmered in water before adding the rice. Once it’s been cooked for about 45 minutes and allowed to simmer for about ten minutes longer, you’re all set to eat!
Which rice is best for biryani?
When deciding which rice to use for a biryani, the preference generally falls between two types: Basmati or Jasmine.
Basmati rice is shorter than other varieties and has a nutty flavor. It contains an outer layer called pellicle which gives it the ability to absorb water. Basmati rice is best used in stews or paella, but not in biryani since it doesn’t cook evenly.
Jasmine rice can also be used to make biryani but its grains are long and loose, so they tend to fall apart easily when cooking. Compared to basmati, it has more aroma and flavor in general.
Conclusion
So what is the secret ingredient to making a perfect biryani? There are many ingredients that make up this delicious dish, but in order to have the best tasting and most satisfying biryani, one must have saffron. With this potent spice added into your dish, it will give the rice a lovely yellow tint and will add an exotic aroma to your mixture. For those wondering if this spice was worth the price tag or not, yes! I would suggest taking the leap and adding this spice into your recipe. It will be worth it in the end as you take in all these tasty flavors.
