Karachi-Delhi Chicken Biryani Recipe

The Ultimate Karachi-Delhi Biryani Recipe – A Flavorful Fusion of Tradition 

Here’s a classic Karachi-Delhi Biryani recipe that combines the flavors of both regions:

Ingredients:

For Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste

For Biryani Masala:

• 500g chicken (or mutton/beef)
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves (chopped)
• Saffron or yellow food color
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup oil or ghee

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing Rice

1. Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Boil it in water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon until 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cooking Chicken Masala

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Fry until fragrant.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Stir for a minute.
4. Add tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
5. Add chicken and yogurt. Cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens.
6. Add garam masala, coriander, mint leaves, and lemon juice. Stir well.

Step 3: Layering the Biryani

1. In a large pot, add a layer of half-cooked rice at the bottom.
2. Spread the chicken masala on top of the rice.
3. Add the remaining rice as the top layer.
4. Drizzle saffron-infused milk or yellow food color over the rice. Top with more coriander and mint leaves.
5. Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat (dum) for 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Serving

• Gently mix the biryani before serving to combine the rice and masala.
• Serve hot with raita and salad.

Enjoy the delicious blend of Karachi-Delhi flavors!