Biryani, a popular Indian dish, is a flavorful rice dish that is often served on special occasions and gatherings. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making delicious biryani at home. Additionally, we’ll also provide you with recipes for paneer tikka and upma in English, two other delightful Indian dishes. Let’s get started!
Biryani Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 500g chicken, mutton, or paneer for vegetarian option
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- Whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Fresh mint leaves
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
Method:
Preparing the Rice:
- Wash and soak the Basmati rice for 30 minutes.
- Boil water in a large pot, add whole spices and salt.
- Add the soaked rice and cook until it’s 70% done.
- Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Meat or Paneer:
- Marinate the meat or paneer with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and green chilies.
- Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Biryani Masala:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Add biryani masala (a mix of spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder) and cook until the oil separates.
Layering the Biryani:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add a layer of cooked rice, followed by a layer of marinated meat or paneer.
- Sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, and saffron strands (if using).
- Repeat the layers until all the rice and meat or paneer are used up.
Dum Cooking:
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve Hot:
- Once done, gently fluff up the biryani with a fork.
- Serve hot with raita or your favorite side dish.Paneer Tikka Recipe
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 capsicum, cut into squares
- 1 onion, cut into squares
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Method:
Marinating the Paneer and Vegetables:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add paneer cubes, capsicum, and onion squares.
- Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grilling the Paneer Tikka:
- Skewer the marinated paneer cubes, capsicum, and onion alternately onto skewers.
- Heat oil in a grill pan or tawa.
- Grill the skewers on medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are evenly cooked and slightly charred.
Serve Hot:
- Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.Upma Recipe in English
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 teaspoon chana dal
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
- Few curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Method:
Roasting the Semolina:
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
- Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions, green chilies, mixed vegetables, and curry leaves.
- Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables are half-cooked.
Cooking the Upma:
- Add semolina (rava) and roast until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
- Meanwhile, boil water separately.
Mixing and Serving:
- Carefully add the boiling water to the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the upma is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Now that you have learned how to make biryani along with paneer tikka and upma in English, it’s time to head to the kitchen and try these delicious recipes. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!
