Discover the ultimate Biryani recipe – a flavorful spiced rice dish packed with tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful mix of nuts and dried fruits. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty meal, this aromatic dish combines rich spices with a blend of textures for a truly satisfying experience. Learn how to make Biryani from scratch with our easy-to-follow guide and impress your family and friends with this classic favorite!

Here's a recipe for making Biryani, a classic spiced rice dish with meat, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits:

Ingredients:

- For the Rice:

 - 2 cups Basmati rice

 - 4 cups water

 - 2-3 green cardamom pods

 - 2-3 cloves

 - 1 bay leaf

 - 1 tsp salt

- For the Marinade:

 - 500 grams of meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), cut into pieces

 - 1 cup plain yogurt

 - 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

 - 1 tbsp red chili powder

 - 1 tsp turmeric powder

 - 1 tsp cumin powder

 - 1 tsp coriander powder

 - Salt to taste

- For the Biryani:

 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee

 - 1 large onion, thinly sliced

 - 2-3 green chilies, slit

 - 1 large tomato, chopped

 - 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes), chopped

 - 1/4 cup cashew nuts

 - 1/4 cup raisins or dried apricots

 - 1 tsp biryani masala (store-bought or homemade)

 - 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

 - Saffron strands (a few), soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

 - Fried onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

 - Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

 - In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and salt.

 - Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 70% cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

Marinate the Meat:

 - In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.

 - Add the meat pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Cook the Meat:

 - Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

 - Add the green chilies and chopped tomato. Cook until the tomato softens.

 - Add the marinated meat and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.

 - Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender. Stir in biryani masala, coriander leaves, and mint leaves.

Layer the Biryani:

 - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, spread half of the cooked rice.

 - Layer the meat and vegetable mixture over the rice.

 - Add the remaining rice on top.

 - Drizzle saffron milk over the top layer of rice.

 - Sprinkle cashew nuts, raisins or dried apricots, and fried onions (if using).

Dum Cooking:

 - Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.

 - Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve:

  - Gently fluff the Biryani with a fork and serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or a side salad.

Enjoy your delicious, aromatic Biryani!

Nutritional Values:

Basmati Rice:

 - Calories: 190 per cup

 - Carbohydrates: 41g

 - Protein: 4g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Provides a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.

 - Low in fat and contains some protein, making it a healthy staple for balanced meals.

Yogurt:

 - Calories: 150 per cup

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 8g

 - Fat: 8g

 - Calcium: 300mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in calcium, which is beneficial for bone health.

 - Contains protein and probiotics, which support digestive health.

Ginger-Garlic Paste:

 - Calories: 15 per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Ginger aids in digestion, while garlic supports immune function.

Red Chili Powder:

 - Calories: 24 per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin C and can boost metabolism.

 - Capsaicin, its active compound, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties.

Turmeric Powder:

 - Calories: 8 per teaspoon

 - Carbohydrates: 1.7g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

 - Can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve digestion.

Cumin Powder:

 - Calories: 8 per teaspoon

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Aids in digestion and has antimicrobial properties.

 - Provides iron, important for blood health.

Coriander Powder:

 - Calories: 5 per teaspoon

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:Helps with digestion, reduces blood sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Vegetable Oil/Ghee:

- Nutritional Values:

 - Calories: 120 per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 14g

Benefits:

 - Provides essential fats for energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

 - Ghee is known for its high smoke point and flavor enhancement.

Onion:

 - Calories: 60 per large onion

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support heart health.

 - May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Green Chilies:

 - Calories: 18 per medium chili

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

 - Has metabolism-boosting properties.

Tomato:

 - Calories: 22 per medium tomato

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.

 - Supports heart health and immune function.

Mixed Vegetables:

 - Calories: 80 per cup

 - Carbohydrates: 17g

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and digestion.

Cashew Nuts:

 - Calories: 196 per 1/4 cup

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 5g

 - Fat: 16g

Benefits:

 - A good source of healthy fats and protein.

 - Contains magnesium, which supports heart health and bone strength.

Raisins:

 - Calories: 108 per 1/4 cup

 - Carbohydrates: 29g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides natural sugars for energy and iron for blood health.

 - Contains antioxidants for cellular protection.

Biryani Masala:

 - Calories: 12 per teaspoon

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:A blend of spices that can offer various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and digestive support.

Fresh Coriander Leaves:

 - Calories: 2 per 1/2 cup

 - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Offers vitamins A, C, and K, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Mint Leaves:

 - Calories: 6 per 1/2 cup

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Aids in digestion and has soothing properties.

 - Provides a refreshing flavor and supports oral health.

Saffron:

 - Calories: 2 per 1/4 teaspoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants, may improve mood and cognitive function, and has potential benefits for heart health.