AV Spices

Shahi Biryani (Veg & Non-Veg)

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 min | 🍳 Cook Time: 25 – 30 min

Ingredients

For the Shahi Biryani (Veg & Non-Veg) :

  • For the Rice:
  • Basmati Rice – 2 cups (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • Water – 6 cups
  • Bay Leaf – 1
  • Green Cardamom – 3
  • Cloves – 4
  • Cinnamon Stick – 1-inch piece
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • For the Biryani Base:
  • Oil or Ghee – 4 tbsp
  • Onions – 2 large (sliced thin)
  • Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1.5 tbsp
  • Green Chilies – 2 (slit, optional)
  • Curd/Yogurt – ½ cup (whisked)
  • Ready-Made Shahi Biryani Masala – 2 tbsp
  • Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
  • Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
  • Salt – To taste

For the Veg Version:

  • Mixed Vegetables (Carrot, Beans, Green Peas, Cauliflower, Potatoes, etc.) – 2 cups (chopped)
  • For the Non-Veg Version:
  • Chicken (bone-in) or Mutton (curry cut) – 500g (marinated with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste for 30 minutes)

For Garnishing & Layering:

  • Milk – ¼ cup (warm)
  • Saffron Strands – 8-10 (soaked in warm milk)
  • Fried Onions – ½ cup (for garnish)
  • Cashews & Raisins – 2 tbsp each (fried in ghee)
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped)
  • Fresh Mint Leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped)

Instructions

For Shahi Biryani (Veg & Non-Veg) :

  1. Prepare the Rice:
  • Boil 6 cups of water with bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 70-80% done (grains should still be firm).
  • Drain the rice and keep aside.
  1. Cook the Base Masala:
  • Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  • Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown (10 minutes). Remove half for garnish.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add chopped tomatoes, cook until soft (5 minutes).
  • Add Shahi Biryani Masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
  1. Cook the Veg or Non-Veg Protein:
  • For Veg Biryani: Add mixed vegetables, stir well, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • For Chicken/Mutton Biryani: Add marinated chicken/mutton and cook until half done (Chicken: 10-12 minutes, Mutton: 20-25 minutes).
  • Add whisked curd, mix well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  1. Layer the Biryani:
  • In the same pan (or a separate heavy-bottomed pot), add a layer of cooked veg/chicken/mutton masala.
  • Add a layer of parboiled rice.
  • Drizzle saffron milk, fried onions, fried nuts, coriander, and mint leaves.
  • Repeat layers, finishing with rice on top.
  1. Dum Cooking:
  • Seal the pot with foil or dough and cover with a lid.
  • Cook on low heat for 20 minutes (or bake at 180°C for 20 minutes).
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with raita, salad, or mirchi ka salan.
  • Garnish with extra fried onions and nuts for richness.

Essential Tips

  • Use aged basmati rice for best texture and aroma.
  • Dum cooking enhances flavors – do not rush this step.
  •  For extra richness, add 2 tbsp fresh cream while layering.
  •  For a smoky touch, place a burning coal in the biryani pot for a minute before sealing it.

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