Pakistani Sindhi Biryani
A fragrant and flavorful rice dish from the Sindh region of Pakistan, characterized by its spicy, tangy, and aromatic profile, often featuring potatoes and a generous amount of spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Basmati rice(soaked for 30 minutes)
- 750 g Beef or Lamb(bone-in, cut into medium pieces)
- 3 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and quartered)
- 1 cup Yogurt(plain, whisked)
- 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 4-5 slit Green chilies
- 1 tbsp Whole spices (for meat marinade)(e.g., cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf)
- 3 tbsp Biryani masala(store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1.5 tsp Red chili powder(adjust to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 6-8 tbsp Oil or Ghee
- a pinch Saffron strands(soaked in 2 tbsp milk)
- 1/4 cup Fresh coriander and mint(chopped, for layering)
- 4-5 dried Plums (Alu Bukhara)(optional, for tanginess)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the meat with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, whole spices, biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator).
- 2
Boil the basmati rice in plenty of salted water until it is about 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
- 3
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or ghee. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.
- 4
Add the marinated meat to the pot and sauté for about 10-15 minutes until the meat is browned. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- 5
Add the quartered potatoes and slit green chilies. If using, add the dried plums. Add about 1/2 cup of water, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through. The gravy should be thick.
- 6
To assemble the biryani, spread half of the partially cooked rice over the meat mixture. Sprinkle with half of the chopped coriander and mint. Layer the remaining rice on top, and sprinkle with the remaining herbs and the saffron-infused milk.
- 7
Cover the pot tightly with a lid (you can seal it with dough if desired to trap steam). Cook on very low heat (dum) for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to steam fully.
- 8
Gently mix the biryani from the bottom to combine the rice and meat layers. Serve hot with raita or salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in meat adds more flavor to the biryani.
- ✓Ensure the rice is only 70% cooked before layering, as it will cook further during the 'dum' process.
- ✓The 'dum' cooking method is crucial for developing the authentic biryani flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Can be made with chicken or a mix of vegetables.
- Some variations include adding fried onions or boiled eggs between the rice layers.