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Hyderabad is the city of Nizams known for its old monuments, bustling streets, and rich culinary past. As soon as you say the word ‘biryani’, people instantly associate it with Hyderabad. Though there is no historical document that says that the dish was invented in the city, scriptures do narrate a tale of how the recipe and cooking techniques have been influenced by Turkish, Mughal, and Persian cuisines.
Video Credit: Chef Ranveer Brar/ YouTube
Over centuries, biryani evolved when natives started infusing it with regional spices and locally sourced ingredients. Today’s variations of Hyderabadi biryani are hand-down recipes by ancestors that helped the popularity of the dish transcend borders so much so that now tourists can purchase biryani masala, gravy mix, and ready-to-cook packets as well. If you are planning to visit Hyderabad, here are a few variations of biryani that are a must-try.
Hyderabadi Keema Biryani
If you don’t like chunky pieces of meat in biryani, you should definitely dry Hyderabadi keema biryani. A bite of it, and your stomach will experience nirvana. It is made by cooking minced pieces of either chicken or mutton in a spicy mixture which is later layered with rice, fried onions, and fresh herbs. It is a flavourful treat for meat lovers.
Hyderabadi Egg Biryani
Did someone say egg biryani in Hyderabad? If you have heard of any variation of Biryani, you can probably find it in the city of Nizams. The vendors cook hard-boiled eggs in a spicy mixture after marinating them. This infuses flavours into otherwise bland eggs. When layered with rice, this biryani recipe is a perfect delight for people looking to load their meals with protein.
Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani
If you relish non-vegetarian food, you must try the Hyderabadi mutton biryani, which is a speciality here. Meat is marinated and cooked to ensure that each piece that you hold is tender and loaded with robust flavours. Layered with rice, every ingredient is cooked to perfection before serving hot on a plate along with raita or salan.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
Hyderabadi dum biryani is quintessentially the best variant that you cannot skip savouring. It is most cooked with mutton or chicken, where tender and marinated pieces of meat are layered with fragrant basmati rice and slowly cooked along with fried onions, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and saffron. The sealed pot, also referred to as dum, is what makes this dish so special among biryani lovers. Its vegetarian variants are also available in many shops.
Hyderabad Fish Biryani
Over time, biryani has evolved into a dish with several variants depending on the diet preferences and availability of locally sourced ingredients. The process includes first marinating fish like kingfish or pomfret and cooking these with fragrant rice grains. The taste of seafood cooked with spices and layered with rice will help you embark on a gastronomic journey.
Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani
While the debate between vegetarians and non-vegetarians is never going to end about the meat-based origins of the dish, one of its variants has definitely evolved to suit the taste palate of vegetarian and vegan biryani lovers. Locally sourced vegetables are cooked in spices and layered with rice that you would end up licking your fingers. Paneer biryani is another extension of it.
Hyderabad Prawn Biryani
Another twist to the seafood-based biryani is this variant in which prawns are marinated and cooked so that their texture is succulent. The Hyderabadi prawn biryani has a unique flavour palate that makes it a popular choice among natives, especially seafood lovers.
Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani
Chicken biryani is among the most popular variations of biryani in India, however, the dish enjoys a different kind of popularity in Hyderabad. When you taste the first bite of marinated chicken cooked in spices and assorted in layers of rice topped with saffron and fresh herbs, you won’t be able to stop. The spicy and rich flavour makes it a must-have.
