Biryani is a classic dish that needs no introduction. It's aromatic, exquisite, and one of the world's most popular dishes, not only in India but around the world. The Mughals are thought to have been the first to bring biryani to North India, while the Arabs introduced it to South India. Biryani is a mixed rice dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent among Muslims. It's made with Asian or Indian spices, rice, and some kind of meat (chicken, beef, goat, lamb, shrimp, fish), as well as eggs and potatoes occasionally. Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in South Asia and among the region's diaspora. In various regions of the world, such as Iraq, Thailand, and Malaysia, similar dishes are prepared. On Indian online food ordering and delivery services, biryani is the most popular dish. According to one theory, it originated from the Persian term birinj, which means rice. Another theory claims it derives from the words biryan or beriyan, which mean "to cook" or "to roast." It could also be related to the Persian word bereshtan, which also means "to roast (onions)," because the dish is generally made with fried onions and meat, as well as mild spices.
Here are some different types of Biryani for your perfect royal dinner
Lucknowi Biryani
The Lucknowi Biryani, also known as the 'Awadhi biryani,' is characterized by its dum pukht cooking style. The spice-infused meat (or chicken) is partially cooked separately with saffron, star anise, and cinnamon-flavoured rice. The meat and rice are then piled in a handi (deep-bottomed dish) and simmered for hours until the flavours have penetrated thoroughly. The result is a juicy and soft Lucknowi biryani with mild flavours.
Thalassery Biryani
This biryani comes from the Malabar region of Kerala and is sweet and spicy. This region's biryani variations are as many and diverse as its cultures and ethnic groups. Instead of the basmati rice that is traditionally used, the Thalassery Biryani uses an indigenous variety of rice called Khyma or Jeerakasala. Malabar spices, meat or chicken, fried onions, fennel seeds, sautéed cashews, and raisins are among the other ingredients in this biryani. The Khyma is cooked separately from the meat and combined only when ready to serve.
Kolkata Biryani
Kolkata Biryani originated in Kolkata, however, its roots may be traced back to Lucknow's Awadhi style biryani. It's made with light yellow rice, topped with yoghurt-based meat, soft boiled eggs, and potatoes, and has mild flavours with a hint of sweetness and sparing use of spices. Saffron, nutmeg, and kewra, for example, give the biryani a calming aroma.
Moplah Biryani
This aromatic and flavorful biriyani is steeped in culture, with a strong Kerala-Arab influence. This biryani hails from the Malabar coast and is said to be inspired by the Mandi, an Arabic-inspired dish cooked with rice, spices, and chicken or lamb. Cooked in a covered oven over a wood fire or clay bricks, the steam from inside does not escape and the flavours remain intact. This dish has an utterly wonderful texture and flavour. The Moplah biryani, which is mostly a celebration dish, will never let you down.
Sindhi Biryani
Sindhi Biryani is a dish that originated in Sindh province, which is now part of Pakistan. The flavour of this biryani is spicy and aromatic, thanks to the abundant use of chopped chillies, roasted spices, mint and coriander leaves, onions, almonds, dried fruits, and sour yoghurt. Plums and potatoes are added to this biryani for good measure.