The Secrets of Kolkata’s Biryani: A Layered Journey of Flavors.

Kolkata Biryani, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish layered with succulent chicken or mutton, is a crown jewel of Kolkata’s cuisine. Its origins are debated, but it’s believed to have been influenced by Mughal culinary traditions, evolving over centuries to reflect the unique flavors of Bengal. 

Today, Kolkata Biryani is known for its distinct aroma and taste, achieved through a combination of fragrant spices, caramelized onions, and the use of ghee. This recipe breaks down the preparation into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can recreate this Kolkata staple in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Rice: Basmati rice is preferred (around 1 Kg). Soak it for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Meat: You can use chicken or mutton (around 1.2 Kg).
• Vegetables: Medium potatoes (4), onions (3)
• Ginger & Garlic: Paste of each (around 2 tsp)
• Yogurt: ½ cup
• Spices: Kashmiri chili powder (1 tsp), biryani masala (3 ½ tsp), bay leaves, cloves, green cardamom, cinnamon stick, turmeric powder.
• Flavorings: Rose essence (3 drops), kewra water (1⅓ tsp), mitha attar (8-9 drops), saffron strands (a pinch), lemon juice (½)
• Ghee & Oil: Around 10-12 tbsp ghee and ½ cup refined oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Meat

Prep the Meat

Pat the chicken/mutton pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better.

Flavor Base

Create a flavorful base by combining yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of biryani masala.

Spice it Up

Add Kashmiri chili powder for a warm color and a hint of spice. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

Marinate

Coat the meat pieces thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring they are well covered. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to develop deeply.

Cook the Rice

In a large pot, boil water with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Add the soaked rice and cook it 80% through. Drain and keep aside.

Caramelize the Onions

Fry thinly sliced onions in oil until golden brown. Remove them from the pot.

Fry the Potatoes

Fry the halved potatoes with salt, turmeric, and red chili powder in the same pot.

Assemble the Flavors

Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, the remaining sliced onions, and the marinated meat to the pot. Fry for a few minutes, allowing the meat to brown slightly and release its juices.

Layer it Up

In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread a layer of cooked rice. Top it with fried onions, potatoes, and the meat mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with rice.

Seal and Cook

Pour saffron-infused milk and some kewra water over the rice. Cover the pot tightly with dough or foil. Cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes.

Garnish (Optional)

You can garnish your Kolkata Biryani with fried onions, chopped coriander leaves, and a fried egg.

Tips

• Use good quality ghee for an authentic flavor.
• You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
• For a richer taste, add grated khoya kheer (solidified milk) during the layering process.
• Kolkata Biryani is often served with raita or korma.

Enjoy your flavorful Kolkata Biryani!