Delicious Biryani: A Look at Its History and Varieties
Ah, biryani. A truly delicious dish. Its combination of rice, meat, marinade, and spices is quite amazing. But some people are not aware of Biryani. They don’t know its components and types. Some don’t even know of its source. So for those who don’t know, read on to learn all about the scrumptious dish that is biryani.
What Is Biryani?
Biryani is a very popular Indian dish. Much like most Indian cuisine, it takes time, skill, and practice to make. Rice, specifically long-grained rice, is flavored with colorful, delicious spices such as saffron. Then it is layered with lamb, chicken, fish, or vegetables and a thick gravy. After that, you cover it, secure the lid with dough, and then cook it over low flame.
History of Biryani
Though there is much argument over the true historical origins of biryani, most agree that it started in Persia as a dish made of rice and meat. Then the dish travelled to India. There, various recipes of biryani were created. The city of Hyderabad in South India, along with the southern coast, are prime examples of the kind of place where biryani recipes developed. The various types of biryani’s ingredients and flavor depend on the location they are from. Some places added subtle changes to biryani while others added or substituted entire ingredients.
What Is Biryani Made Of?
The main ingredients of biryani are rice, meat, marinade, and spices. Usually, basmati rice is used, but there are other types of rice that are used, such as seeraga samba and jeerakasala. The protein of the dish is very dependent on where the biryani is from. For example, coastal regions tend to include fish and shrimp. Inland areas, meanwhile, use chicken, goat, or mutton.
Before being cooked, the meat is usually marinated. The most common kinds of marinade are yogurt-spiced. The acid in the yogurt helps tenderize the meat. The spices that can be used are whole or ground, individual or spice mix. There may also be herbs and seeds that are added to the dish. Lastly, the dish is often finished with a caramelized onion, fruit, nuts and more fresh herbs.
Types of Biryani
There are several varieties of biryani. They are mostly named after the place it was created.
Sindi Biryani
This type of biryani is very popular in Pakistan. It’s famous for its spicy taste, soft meat and amazing aroma. Its ingredients include meat, basmati rice, vegetables, and various types of spices.
Hyderabad Biryani
Extremely popular in India, this biryani uses goat meat. The meat is first marinated and cooked with rice and then seasoned with coconut and saffron.
Malabar Biryani
This version of biryani is found in Kerala, an Indian state. The Malabar Muslim community loves this dish, and they use Kyma rice mixed with ghee to make it even tastier.
Calcutta/Kolkata Biryani
While this type of biryani sometimes contains meat, it usually only uses potatoes and eggs. It is light in terms of spice.
Conclusion
Biryani is a delicious dish with an interesting history and many varieties. You’re probably already wondering where to find this dish. The good news is that most Indian restaurants serve it. So look for the best Indian restaurant in Vancouver to get a taste of this wonderful dish.
Looking for a Halal Indian restaurant in Vancouver? Check out Karakoram Restaurant today! We offer an experience reminiscent of the flavors of Western, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cuisines.