A one-pot meal of flavourful rice combined with aromatic spices, herbs and meat; biryani is a bliss for countless foodies. Let's just agree, we can never say no to a plate full of this fragrant goodness. It is known to have been introduced to India by the Mughals and is one of the most popular dishes in the middle east Asia too. Biryani has been embraced and adapted according to our local palate. No wonder, one can find a variety of biryanis in many different regions of India. And south India is no different. From Hyderabad, Kerala to Karnataka, each southern state offers a unique variety of biryani that you won’t be able to resist.
If you are fond of unique aromatic spices that the south Indian cuisine offers in its delicacies, the many biryanis from the region are sure to impress your taste buds. Here are 5 south Indian biryanis you must try at home for a delightful feast:
1. Malabar Style Mutton Biryani
With loads of onion, tomato, ginger-garlic, curd and a host of spices, this Malabar-style mutton biryani is a crowd-pleaser. Cooked on dum, the masala is layered between ghee-laden rice, making it a scrumptious treat!
2. Bhatkali Chicken Biryani
A coastal Karnataka speciality, Bhatkali chicken biryani has basmati rice flavoured with saffron and whole garam masala. It has tender pieces of mutton, chicken, fish or prawns cooked separately with spices. The end result is often described as a combination of korma and rice assembled in layers.
3. Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
The authentic flavours of the world-famous Hyderabadi biryani can simmer in your own kitchen too. There is perhaps no one who hasn’t been won over by the flavours of Hyderabadi biryani. Half-boiled rice layered with fried onions, mint, meat chunks and cooked dum style. Doesn't sound easy, it requires patience, but we assure you are in for an unforgettable treat.
4. Ambur Vegetable Biryani
Popular for its mutton version, Ambur vegetable biryani is no less of a stunner. Made in instant pot, this biryani recipe has rice, white peas, paneer and curd cooked with spices including cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom, you don’t want to miss this!
5. Chettinad Vegetable Biryani
Also known as Kaikari biryani, this one from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu is prepared with the unique spices of Chettinadu and with the seeraga samba rice.
Did we miss out on your favourite south Indian biryani? Let us know!