Nawabi Biryani

Nawabi Biryani Recipe - A Delicious Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Nawabi Biryani is a rich and flavorful dish that originated in the royal kitchens of India. This dish is a perfect blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fragrant basmati rice, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

History

Nawabi Biryani has its roots in the Mughal cuisine of India, where it was prepared for the royal Nawabs. The dish was traditionally cooked in a large pot called a handi and was served during grand feasts and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 kg chicken, skinned, cut into serving pieces
1.5 cup long grained rice, soaked in water for 0.5 hour, washed
2 cup yoghurt
1 cup clarified butter (ghee)
1 cup milk
10 peppercorns
8 cloves
8 sprigs mint, leaves only
5 cardamoms
4 onions, sliced
1 cup coriander leaves, chopped
0.5 cup almonds, blanched, halved
3 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tsp mixed cumin seeds and shahjeera
1 tsp turmeric powder
0.5 tsp saffron
salt to taste

How to prepare

Mix ginger-garlic paste, salt, and yogurt.
Apply the mixture to chicken pieces and let them marinate for 1 hour.
Heat 0.5 cup of ghee and add cumin seeds, shahjeera, cloves, cardamoms, peppercorn, and almonds.
Add the chicken, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala powder, and 0.5 cup of water.
Cook until the chicken is tender.
Add coriander and mint leaves.
Set aside.
Heat 0.25 cup of ghee in a pressure cooker and add rice.
Fry until golden brown.
Add 3 cups of water and pressure cook until the rice is cooked but not soft.
Heat the remaining 0.25 cup of ghee and fry onion slices until brown and crisp.
Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, layer the rice.
Top with a few fried onion slices and saffron strands.
Add a layer of chicken.
Repeat until all the rice and chicken pieces are used.
Cover tightly and finish cooking in an oven or by placing the pan on a hot griddle until each grain of rice is fluffy and the biryani is aromatic.
Serve hot.

Variations

Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables or paneer.
Seafood option: Replace chicken with prawns or fish.
Lamb option: Replace chicken with lamb pieces.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture and flavor.

- Layer the rice and chicken carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Finish cooking the biryani in the oven or on a hot griddle to ensure that each grain of rice is fluffy and aromatic.

Serving Suggestions

Nawabi Biryani can be served with raita, salad, and pickle for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating

- Layering

- Pressure cooking

- Oven baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of ghee for a lighter version.

- Use cashews instead of almonds for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Nawabi Biryani can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nawabi Biryani in a traditional handi or a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Nawabi Biryani pairs well with mint chutney, mango lassi, and naan bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Nawabi Biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nawabi Biryani contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nawabi Biryani contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nawabi Biryani contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Nawabi Biryani contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Nawabi Biryani is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Nawabi Biryani contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Nawabi Biryani is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Nawabi Biryani is a luxurious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With its rich blend of spices and tender chicken, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village in India, where cooking was not just a daily chore, but a way of life.

One day, my mother invited a group of women from the neighboring village to our home for a cooking demonstration. Among them was a woman named Mrs. Kapoor, who was known for her exquisite culinary skills. She had a regal air about her, as if she had a secret treasure trove of recipes hidden away in her kitchen.

As we gathered around the large wooden table in our kitchen, Mrs. Kapoor began to demonstrate how to make a dish called Nawabi Biryani. The aroma of spices filled the air, and I watched in awe as she deftly layered fragrant basmati rice with tender pieces of marinated meat, caramelized onions, and a blend of exotic spices.

I was mesmerized by the way she moved with grace and confidence in the kitchen, her hands working with precision and speed. I could see the passion she had for cooking reflected in her eyes, and I knew that I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

After the demonstration was over, Mrs. Kapoor took me aside and handed me a small piece of paper with the recipe for Nawabi Biryani written in elegant script. She told me that this was a family recipe handed down through generations, and that she was entrusting me with this precious secret.

From that day on, I dedicated myself to mastering the art of making Nawabi Biryani. I practiced tirelessly, experimenting with different spices and cooking techniques until I was able to recreate the dish to perfection. Each time I made it, the rich flavors and complex aromas transported me back to that day in my mother's kitchen, watching Mrs. Kapoor work her magic.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Nawabi Biryani to the next generation. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Kapoor and the impact she had on my life, inspiring me to pursue my passion for cooking with dedication and love.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of spices and cooking oil, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe for Nawabi Biryani has become more than just a dish to me - it is a symbol of tradition, heritage, and the power of sharing knowledge and love through food.

As I take my first bite of the fragrant, flavorful rice and meat, I close my eyes and savor the taste of my childhood, the memories of learning from Mrs. Kapoor flooding back to me. I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today, and I know that the legacy of Nawabi Biryani will continue to live on in my family for generations to come.