Biryani is a recipe that is made using Meat and Rice, layered and prepared together with various spices… It is derived from the Persian word ‘Birian’ which means roasting before cooking.
Biryani originated from Persia and the legend states that that the nomads and tribals carried loads of rice and meat on their long journeys and they started the custom of layering rice and meat and cooking them as one after sprinkling ample nuts and dry herbs. The traditional approach consisted of simmering and cooking the combination under fire and then burying it in sand for hours together before the dish was deemed ready. The traditional form of Biryani has since then been improvised and modernized according to convenience
Biryani has taken a variety of forms since then, and gone on to become a gourmet dish, that has been evolved and fine-tuned to such an extent, that now one comes across at least 50 varieties of Biryanis. I may be wrong there, as the number may be greater.
Biryani has meat and rice as its essential elements. The rest of the ingredients, vary based on the type and style of the Biryani being prepared.
There are many varieties of Biryani within India with each city having its own style, but perhaps Biryani from Hyderabad is the most famous of the lot. Believe it or not, some of the biryani recipes are intensely guarded by restaurants and families across generations. Biryani was infact introduced to India by the Mughals which was then improvised by the local Indians to suit their spice craving.
A good Biryani consists of nicely cooked meat and the right blend of spices and herbs, cooked together with rice. The meat and rice is never mixed whilst cooking. They are both cooked separately. The final stage of the cooking consists of layering the 2 alternatively and generally cooked either in an oven or on traditional wood fire, using low heat.
For further information on the various kinds of chicken biriyani please visit the ifood community at chicken biryani recipes Those interested in vegetable biryani recipes can take a look at vegetable biriyani
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