Discover how to make a delicious and aromatic Biryani with this easy-to-follow recipe. This classic dish features fragrant rice cooked with a blend of spices, tender meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), and optional vegetables. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal, our Biryani recipe brings rich flavors and authentic taste to your table.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups Basmati rice

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

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece ginger, minced

- 2-3 green chilies, slit

- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

- 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves

- 1/4 cup cooking oil or ghee

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)

- 1/2 cup warm milk (for saffron)

- 4 cups water

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

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

Cook the Meat:

  - In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and cook until they start to pop.

  - Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown. Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and sauté for another 2 minutes.

  - Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Stir in yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and ground coriander. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.

  - Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender (about 30 minutes).

Prepare the Saffron Milk (if using):

  - Soak saffron strands in warm milk and set aside.

Cook the Rice:

  - In a separate large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and the soaked rice. Cook until the rice is 70% cooked (still firm). Drain the rice.

Layer the Biryani:

  - In the pot with the cooked meat, spread half of the partially cooked rice over the meat. Sprinkle half of the cilantro and mint leaves. Repeat with the remaining rice and herbs.

  - Drizzle the saffron milk over the top layer of rice (if using). Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Dum Cooking:

  - Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to fully cook.

Serve:

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

Enjoy your homemade Biryani, a perfect blend of spices and tender meat!

Nutritional Value

Basmati Rice

 - Calories: 130

 - Carbohydrates: 28g

 - Protein: 2.7g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Fiber: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

 - Minimal fat content makes it suitable for a balanced diet.

Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Lamb)

Chicken:

  - Calories: 165

  - Protein: 31g

  - Fat: 3.6g

Beef:

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 26g

  - Fat: 17g

 - Lamb:

  - Calories: 294

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 21g

Benefits:

 - High protein essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in vitamins, particularly B12, for nerve health and energy production.

 - Provides iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the blood (especially in beef and lamb).

Onion

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

 - Contains quercetin and sulfur compounds that help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

 - Fiber supports gut health and digestion.

Tomatoes

 - Calories: 18

 - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

 - Protein: 0.9g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Fiber: 1.2g

Benefits:

 - High in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

 - Rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health.

Plain Yogurt

 - Calories: 61

 - Carbohydrates: 4.7g

 - Protein: 3.5g

 - Fat: 3.3g

Benefits:

 - Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.

 - Provides calcium, which contributes to bone health and strength.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149

 - Carbohydrates: 33g

 - Protein: 6.4g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Fiber: 2.1g

Benefits:

 - Has antibacterial properties that boost immune function.

 - May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ginger

 - Calories: 80

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Protein: 1.8g

 - Fat: 0.8g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Aids in digestion and can reduce nausea.

 - Contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Green Chilies

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Fiber: 1.5g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

 - Capsaicin can help increase metabolism.

Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)

 - Calories: 23

 - Carbohydrates: 3.7g

 - Protein: 2.1g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Fiber: 2.8g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants that may help protect against oxidative stress.

 - Aids in digestion and may help reduce bloating.

Mint Leaves

 - Calories: 70

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 3.8g

 - Fat: 0.9g

 - Fiber: 8g

Benefits:

 - Helps soothe digestive issues and promotes healthy digestion.

 - Contains vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

Cooking Oil or Ghee

Cooking Oil:

  - Calories: 884

  - Fat: 100g

Ghee:

  - Calories: 900

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

 - Provides essential fatty acids for energy.

 - Adds flavor and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Saffron (Optional)

 - Calories: 310

 - Carbohydrates: 65g

 - Protein: 11g

 - Fat: 5g

Benefits:

 - Contains compounds that may help improve mood and support overall health.

 - May aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

These ingredients collectively offer a rich array of nutrients and health benefits, making Biryani not just a flavorful but also a nutritious dish.