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Fragrant rice layered with tingling spices and meat; Biryani is a one pot meal that has indulgence written all over it. Derived from the Persian word ‘biriyan’ which means ‘fried before cooking and ‘birinj’, which is just another Persian word for rice, Biryani is most certainly not Indian. It has central Asian roots, and it was apparently the Mughals who popularised the dish in the subcontinent. Its foreign roots have never come in our way of loving the dish, in fact, till date no ‘big fat Indian feast’ is complete without a round of Biryani. We are so obsessed with the dish that over the years, it has also gotten many local makeovers. For instance, Lucknow Biryani is renowned for its mild flavour, while Kolkata Biryani for inclusion of interesting elements like potato and eggs. The meaty delicacy has been adapted for our vegetarian friends too, with versions like veg biryani or paneer biryani.
While it has been established that there are very few dishes that as synonymous to decadence as a handi full of biryani, but even biryani is incomplete without good accompaniments.
Here are our top five side dishes for Biryani:
1. Onion Raita
Wherever biryani goes, raita follows. We didn’t make the rules, that’s just how it has been since eons. This easy-peasy side dish is basically just curd whipped with chopped onions, chillies and spices. It helps offset the hotness of biryani to a certain degree, while keeping everything flavourful to the core.
2. Mirchi Ka Salan
Another usual suspect. You just cannot imagine Biryani without this Hyderabadi wonder, can you? Mirchi ka salan refers to curried chilli peppers, it is much beloved for its ability to add extra spunk to your whole biryani experience.
3. Kathirikkai Gothsu (Brinjal Curry)
The curry is exceptionally popular in parts of South India and is a popular side dish choice for various rice dishes, including biryani. This is essentially a brinjal mash with hints of dried red chilies, tamarind and coriander.
4. Shorba or Veg Gravy
A gravy with sauce-like consistency, infused with goodness of sesame, coconut and peanuts. This could be an excellent side dish to any kind of biryani be it veg or non-veg.
5. Ande ka Salan
Another popular biryani accompaniment hailing from Hyderabad is this egg salan. Sesame seeds, peanuts, mint makes this salan, a mild, nutty treat. But the dry spices used also gives it a spicy, tangy edge.
