INDIAN COOKING RESTAURANT STYLE BIRYANI, PULAO & RICE DISHES

Biryani masala toasted with oil is commonly known as "Bhuna Biryani Masala." Bhuna refers to the process of roasting or toasting the spices in oil until they release their flavors and aromas. This technique enhances the depth of flavors and adds a rich, aromatic dimension to the biryani dish. The toasted masala is then used to season the rice and other ingredients to create a flavorful and authentic biryani.

Bombay Biryani Masala is an aromatic spice blend that encapsulates the essence of Mumbai's famous biryani. This exquisite mix combines a harmonious medley of premium spices, such as dried plum cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cloves, among others, meticulously balanced to elevate the flavors of the biryani. With its rich, tantalizing aroma and robust taste, this masala effortlessly enhances rice and meat, infusing them with the authentic and irresistible taste of Bombay. A culinary treasure, this masala adds a burst of delectable flavors to any biryani, leaving your taste buds enchanted and craving more with every delightful bite.

yderabadi Biryani Masala is a captivating spice mix that brings the essence of the iconic Hyderabadi biryani to your kitchen. Crafted with a harmonious blend of premium spices, including cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and more, this masala adds an explosion of flavors to your biryani. Elevate your culinary experience by sprinkling this fragrant masala over rice and succulent meat, creating a tantalizing dish that captures the true spirit of Hyderabadi cuisine and leaves you craving for its exquisite taste.

Fried onions, also known as birista or brown onions, are a crucial element in biryani preparation. Thinly sliced onions are deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy. These fried onions add a delightful sweetness, a hint of caramelization, and a rich depth of flavor to the biryani. They are often layered between the partially cooked rice and other biryani ingredients, imparting their enticing taste throughout the dish, making it a flavorful and aromatic delight.

To prepare rice for biryani, long-grain basmati rice is soaked to remove excess starch. In a pot of boiling water, whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves are added to infuse the rice with their aromatic flavors. Additionally, biryani masala powder, a blend of various ground spices, is incorporated for an extra layer of taste. The soaked rice is then partially cooked, maintaining its distinct grains, resulting in flavorful and fragrant rice ready to be layered with other biryani ingredients.

In preparing rice for biryani, long-grain basmati rice is soaked to remove excess starch. Whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves are added to a pot of boiling water. The soaked rice is then added and cooked until it is partially done, preserving its individual grains. This technique infuses the rice with the aromatic flavors of the whole spices, enhancing the overall taste of the biryani when it's later layered and cooked with other ingredients.

In commercial kitchens, pre-cooked chicken for biryani is prepared by marinating tender pieces of chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and lemon juice. The marinated chicken is then partially cooked to retain its tenderness and flavors. This pre-cooked chicken is later added to the biryani preparation, ensuring that it imparts its delectable taste and perfectly complements the fragrant long-grain rice. The process of pre-cooking the chicken not only saves time during the final biryani preparation but also guarantees consistent and delicious results, making it a convenient and efficient choice for busy commercial kitchens.

Chicken 65 is a highly popular and spicy South Indian dish known for its fiery flavor and crispy texture. It is believed to have originated in Chennai, India, and has since become a favorite appetizer and side dish in Indian restaurants and street food stalls.

The dish gets its name, "Chicken 65," from various theories, with some suggesting that it was the 65th item on a menu, while others claim it was named after the age of the chicken used for preparation (young and tender at 65 days). Regardless of its origin, Chicken 65 has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts.

Chicken 65's irresistible combination of bold flavors, spiciness, and crunchy texture has made it a beloved dish not only in India but also in many other countries where Indian cuisine is appreciated.

Chicken Tandoori is a popular and flavorful Indian dish known for its vibrant colors and rich taste. It is a traditional preparation where chicken pieces, usually skin-on and bone-in, are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and a variety of spices. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven that gives the dish its name. In this recipe I demonstrate how to cook tandoori chicken for biryani.

Onion Tomato Masala, commonly known as OTM, is a versatile and essential base for many Indian dishes. It is made by sautéing finely chopped onions and tomatoes together in oil or ghee until they become soft and the tomatoes break down, creating a thick and flavorful mixture. Various spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sometimes green chilies or ginger-garlic paste are added to enhance the taste. OTM forms the foundation for curries, gravies, and many vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparations, serving as a delicious and aromatic starting point for Indian cooking.

Chicken 65 Biryani Masala Paste is a specialized blend of spices and herbs designed to infuse the flavors of Chicken 65 and Biryani into one convenient mixture. It typically contains a combination of red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and other aromatic spices. This paste is carefully crafted to provide the distinctive spiciness and rich taste of Chicken 65 while also incorporating the warm and fragrant notes essential for a flavorful biryani. When used in biryani preparation with marinated chicken, this masala paste elevates the dish to a delightful and spicy fusion experience.

For parda or kaju biryani, the wet masala paste or tadka is typically made by grinding together a combination of spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and onions. This paste is then sautéed in oil or ghee to release the flavors and added to the biryani for enhanced taste.

Chicken Dum Biryani is a classic and aromatic rice dish made with succulent pieces of chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of spices. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, layered with partially cooked rice, and slow-cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together. The result is a flavorful and tender biryani where the chicken and rice are cooked to perfection, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Chicken Tikka Dum Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken tikka and biryani. It is a popular Indian dish that originated in the Awadhi cuisine of the Indian subcontinent. This biryani variation is known for its succulent pieces of chicken tikka and the fragrant, long-grained basmati rice cooked together.

Vegetable Dum Biryani is a delicious and aromatic rice dish made with fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of flavorful spices. It is a popular vegetarian variation of the traditional biryani that is enjoyed by people who prefer plant-based options.

Paneer Tikka Dum Biryani is a flavorful rice dish made with marinated and grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes layered with fragrant basmati rice and cooked on low heat for a delightful fusion of flavors.

Chicken Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is a renowned and flavorful rice dish hailing from the city of Hyderabad in India. It features aromatic basmati rice layered with succulent pieces of chicken, infused with a blend of rich spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron. The biryani is cooked on low heat in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy. The result is a delectable and fragrant biryani that is a true culinary delight.

Kache Ghost Dum Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish that features raw or partially cooked mutton (also known as goat meat) marinated with spices, layered with fragrant basmati rice, and slow-cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together. The term "kache ghost" refers to the use of raw or partially cooked meat in the biryani, which adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. The mutton becomes tender and succulent during the cooking process, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic biryani.

Lucknowi Biryani, also known as Awadhi Biryani, is a renowned rice dish from the city of Lucknow in India. It is characterized by the use of fragrant long-grain basmati rice, tender meat (such as chicken, mutton, or beef), and a rich blend of spices. The biryani is slow-cooked with layers of meat and rice, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic delicacy that is enjoyed for its distinct Awadhi flavors.

Mutton Lucknowi Biryani, a specialty of Lucknow, India, is a delectable rice dish made with tender pieces of mutton (goat meat) cooked with fragrant basmati rice and a harmonious blend of aromatic spices. The mutton is marinated in a yogurt-based mixture and then layered with partially cooked rice, creating a flavorful and succulent biryani that showcases the rich and royal culinary heritage of Lucknow.

Mutton Muradabadi Biryani is a flavorful rice dish originating from Muradabad, a city in India. It is made with succulent mutton (goat meat) cooked with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of aromatic spices. The biryani is known for its rich flavors and unique combination of spices, such as star anise, black cardamom, and saffron, which give it a distinctive taste. It is a delightful culinary experience that reflects the culinary traditions of Muradabad.

Kolkata Chicken Biryani is a beloved rice dish from the city of Kolkata in India. It features fragrant basmati rice cooked with tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and potatoes. The biryani is known for its distinct yellow color and subtle flavors. The chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices and yogurt, and then the rice and chicken are cooked together, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying biryani experience.

Chicken 65 Biryani is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of the popular Chicken 65 appetizer with aromatic biryani rice. Tender and spicy chicken pieces, typically marinated with a blend of spices, are cooked to perfection and then layered with fragrant basmati rice. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to blend together, resulting in a delightful combination of spicy chicken and flavorful rice.

Egg Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that features boiled eggs cooked with fragrant basmati rice and a blend of aromatic spices. The boiled eggs are typically marinated in a mixture of spices to enhance their flavor. The eggs are then layered with partially cooked rice and slow-cooked, allowing the spices to infuse the rice and create a delightful biryani with tender eggs and flavorful grains.

Fish Biryani is a delightful rice dish that combines succulent fish pieces with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of aromatic spices. The fish is typically marinated in a mixture of spices and then layered with partially cooked rice. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delectable combination of tender fish and flavorful rice, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers.

Cashew Nut or Kaju Biryani is a rich and indulgent rice dish that showcases the flavors of cashew nuts. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and layered with sautéed cashew nuts, caramelized onions, and other ingredients. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and luxurious biryani with the nutty goodness of cashews.

Prawn or Jhinga Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that highlights the succulent flavors of prawns. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a blend of spices and layered with marinated prawns, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to infuse into the rice and prawns, resulting in a delectable and aromatic biryani that seafood enthusiasts will enjoy.

Parda Biryani, also known as Dum Pukht Biryani, is a traditional Indian rice dish where the biryani is cooked in a sealed pot or "parda" to lock in the flavors. The pot is covered with a dough seal to create a steam-filled environment. This slow-cooking method allows the rice, meat (such as chicken or mutton), and aromatic spices to meld together, resulting in a flavorful and visually striking biryani.

Sindhi Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that originates from the Sindh region in Pakistan. It features a unique blend of aromatic spices, tender meat (such as beef or mutton), and long-grain basmati rice. The biryani is known for its vibrant color, achieved by the use of tomatoes, red chili powder, and aromatic spices. It is a rich and aromatic biryani with a distinct flavor that is enjoyed by many.

White Chicken Biryani is a unique variation of the classic biryani that features a creamy and flavorful white sauce instead of the traditional red or yellow spiced gravy. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, cashew paste, and aromatic spices. Fragrant basmati rice is then cooked with the marinated chicken, resulting in a rich and creamy biryani with a milder yet delightful flavor profile.

Karahi Chicken Biryani is a delicious fusion of two popular Pakistani dishes. It combines the flavors of Karahi Chicken, a spicy and tangy chicken curry, with fragrant basmati rice. The chicken is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and tomatoes, creating a flavorful gravy. It is then layered with partially cooked rice and slow-cooked, resulting in a delightful biryani that showcases the rich flavors of Karahi Chicken.

Kabuli Channa Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that combines the nutty and hearty flavor of Kabuli channa (chickpeas) with fragrant basmati rice and a blend of aromatic spices. The chickpeas are cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy before being layered with partially cooked rice. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful and wholesome vegetarian biryani option.

Karahi Paneer Biryani is a delectable fusion dish that combines the rich flavors of Karahi Paneer, a spicy cottage cheese curry, with fragrant basmati rice. The paneer is cooked in a tangy tomato-based gravy with a blend of aromatic spices. It is then layered with partially cooked rice and slow-cooked, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic biryani with the perfect balance of spicy paneer and fragrant rice.

Kathal Biryani, also known as Jackfruit Biryani, is a flavorful and vegetarian rice dish made with tender jackfruit pieces. The jackfruit is cooked in a rich blend of spices, including aromatic masalas, and then layered with fragrant basmati rice. The biryani is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful biryani with the unique texture and taste of jackfruit, making it a popular choice for vegetarians.

Vegetable Biryani is a delightful rice dish that brings together a colorful assortment of mixed vegetables with fragrant basmati rice and aromatic spices. The vegetables, such as carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, and bell peppers, are cooked along with the rice in layers, allowing the flavors to intermingle. The result is a flavorful and wholesome biryani that is enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Tandoori Chicken Biryani is a tantalizing fusion of two beloved Indian dishes. Tender pieces of tandoori-marinated chicken, infused with rich spices and yogurt, are layered with aromatic basmati rice. This delightful combination creates a symphony of flavors, with the tandoori essence complementing the biryani's fragrant spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, the result is a mouthwatering biryani that harmoniously blends the smoky, charred notes of tandoori chicken with the delightful textures and tastes of traditional biryani.

Chicken Pulao is a flavorful rice dish made with tender chicken pieces and aromatic spices. Unlike Biryani, Pulao is a simpler preparation where the rice and chicken are cooked together in a single pot. The chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices for added flavor. The rice absorbs the flavors of the chicken and spices, resulting in a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal.

Chicken Ghee Roast Pulao is a delectable rice dish that combines the flavors of chicken ghee roast with fragrant basmati rice. The chicken is marinated in a spicy and tangy masala paste, cooked until tender, and then mixed with ghee-roasted rice. The pulao is further enhanced with aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Curd Rice, also known as Yogurt Rice, is a simple and comforting dish from South India. Cooked rice is mixed with yogurt and seasoned with salt. It is often tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices for added flavor. The cool and creamy texture of the curd, combined with the soft rice, creates a refreshing and soothing dish that is enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Lemon Rice is a zesty and tangy rice dish from South India. Cooked rice is flavored with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, and turmeric, and then mixed with fresh lemon juice and zest. The combination of citrusy flavors, aromatic spices, and the nutty crunch of peanuts creates a vibrant and refreshing rice dish that is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish.

Tomato Rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with tomatoes as the star ingredient. Cooked rice is sautéed with a tempering of onions, spices, and tomatoes, creating a tangy and savory dish. The tomatoes lend a vibrant color and their natural sweetness to the rice, while the spices add depth of flavor. Tomato Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Jeera Rice, also known as Cumin Rice, is a fragrant and simple rice dish commonly enjoyed in Indian cuisine. Basmati rice is cooked with ghee or oil and seasoned with cumin seeds, giving it a distinctive aroma and flavor. The rice is light, fluffy, and pairs well with a variety of curries and gravies. Jeera Rice is a popular side dish and a staple in Indian meals.

Matar Pulao, also known as Peas Pulao, is a flavorful rice dish made with aromatic basmati rice and green peas. The rice is cooked with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peas. The dish is often garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs, resulting in a fragrant and satisfying pulao that is enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

Onion Peas Pulao is a delightful rice dish where fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a combination of onions and green peas. The rice is flavored with a blend of spices and sautéed onions, which add a sweet and savory note to the dish. The addition of peas provides a pop of freshness and texture. It is a flavorful and comforting pulao that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

Farangi Vegetable Pulao is a flavorful rice dish that showcases an assortment of exotic vegetables like baby corn, assorted bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables. The result is a colorful and vibrant pulao that is packed with a variety of textures and tastes, making it a delightful and wholesome meal option.

Masala Onion Pulao is a delicious rice dish where fragrant basmati rice is cooked with caramelized onions and a blend of aromatic spices. The onions are sautéed until golden brown, adding a sweet and savory flavor to the pulao. The spices infuse the rice with a rich and fragrant taste. Masala Onion Pulao is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish.

Prawn Ghee Roast Pulao is a flavorful and indulgent rice dish that combines succulent prawns with the aromatic flavors of ghee roast masala. The prawns are marinated in a tangy and spicy masala paste and then sautéed to perfection. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked separately and then mixed with the prawns, resulting in a rich and aromatic pulao with a delightful blend of flavors.

Prawn Pulao is a delectable rice dish that features succulent prawns cooked with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of aromatic spices. The prawns are marinated in a blend of spices, giving them a flavorful kick. The rice is cooked separately and then combined with the cooked prawns, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic pulao with tender prawns and perfectly cooked grains of rice.

Tandoori Chicken Pulao is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of tandoori chicken with fragrant basmati rice. Tender chicken pieces, marinated in a blend of yogurt and tandoori spices, are grilled to perfection. The grilled chicken is then added to cooked rice and mixed together, allowing the flavors to meld. The result is a mouthwatering pulao with smoky tandoori chicken infused into every bite of the aromatic rice.

Matar Paneer Pulao is a flavorful rice dish that combines the classic combination of green peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with a blend of spices and then mixed with sautéed green peas and paneer cubes. The dish is further enhanced with aromatic herbs and seasonings, resulting in a delicious and satisfying pulao with the perfect balance of vegetables, paneer, and fragrant rice.

Kashmiri Pulao is a fragrant and colorful rice dish from the Kashmiri cuisine. It is made with basmati rice cooked with a variety of ingredients like dry fruits, saffron, aromatic spices, and sometimes, fruits like apples or pomegranate seeds. The pulao has a subtly sweet and aromatic flavor profile, with the rich aroma of saffron and the delightful crunch of dry fruits, making it a delightful and visually appealing dish.