Kolkata Biryani is a biryani that originated in Bengal somewhere in the towards the end of the 17th century. Biryani, as you'd all know is not native to India. It arrived in India via the Persians and Arabic traders, travellers and conquerors in the medieval era. The Mughals are largely credited to popularise the dish in the subcontinent. The dish now has various regional counterparts like the Hyderabadi Biryani or the Ambur Biryani or the Awadhi Biryani. Kolkata Biryani has a fascinating history tied to it. As per one theory, when Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled from Awadh he, along with his entourage went towards the east. Putting up the 'royal' feasts were becoming a task for the cooks due to financial restraints. So to fill up the lack of exquisite meat, they started adding potatoes and boiled eggs to the biryani along with fried meat. Another popular theory suggests that potato was considered to be an exotic item in India back in the seventeenth century, and thus was used everywhere as a style statement and that is how it made its way to the Kolkata Biryani.
Today, Kolkata Biryani is counted as one of the most unique biryanis of India. It is an off shoot of the Awadhi Biryani in a what that it does not use overwhelming blend of spices.
A Riceless Biryani, Aye Or Nay?
It is fragrant, flavourful and is made of long-grain basmati rice, which is actually a common practice while making most biryanis right. You want to ensure that you pick the best quality of rice for your biryani, but what if we tell you that you can make your biryani without rice? Or you can substitute rice with Maggi. The idea may sound outrageous, but here us out once.
If you are someone who likes to experiment with Maggi a fair amount, you would love this spicy Maggi that is inspired by the Kolkata Biryani. Be it the spices used, the boiled eggs, the potatoes and the yellow colour, this Maggi truly encapsulates the best of both the worlds. And did we tell you how easy it is to make at home?
Just marinate the chicken, fry it. Add the Maggi noodles and other masalas. Make sure the meat is well-cooked before you add the Maggi.
Serve hot with boiled eggs and Birista. Here is the step-by-step recipe of Kolkata Maggi Biryani by our Slurrp Community member Enakshi Dey. Try it soon at home and let us know how you liked it. Do not forget to share the pictures with us.
