Awadhi Biryani Recipe: Cook at home this Delicious Lucknowi Legacy

We all know, we love Biryani. But have you experienced the magic of Awadhi Biryani?

The name itself speaks volume. 

The royal dish of Awadhi Biryani is a legacy that has been passed on the generations.It is one of prominent Mughal Cuisine recipes that was the part of lavish feasts in the courts of Lucknow. The chefs made this dish for Nawabs and the rulers of the Awadh kingdom. This biryani reflects a rich heritage that you can now experience in your own kitchen. You can cook the authentic awadhi biryani recipe and enjoy it.

Exploring the Awadhi Legacy

The rulers of Lucknow were known for their love of good food and grand celebrations. This culminated into elevating the meals to a fine art. With Awadhi Biryani, being a renowned dish of this culture, it is distinctly known for its layering and aroma.

Spices like cloves, cardamom and saffron are used in Awadhi style cooking that gives it a unique texture. Ghee is a significant part of this signature dish and adds flavors and depth to the dish. Techniques like "dum" (slow cooking in a sealed pot) makes sure you get a flavourful experience in every bite.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cook the Dish

Now, let's begin with practicality. Put on your chef hats and follow the easy and best lucknowi/ awadhi biryani recipe and let the magic of flavors unfold with this mouth- watering non- veg biryani.

Here's a recipe for the classic Awadhi Chicken Biryani:

Ingredients:

• For the Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes

• Water: 4 Cups

• Bay leaf- 1

• Cloves- 2

• Cinnamon stick

• Green cardamoms-2

• Salt (as per taste)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken pieces- 1 kg

• Yogurt- 1 Cup

• Ginger-garlic paste- 1 tbsp

• Red chili powder- 1 tbsp

• Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

• garam masala powder- 1 tsp 

• coriander powder- ½  tsp

• fenugreek powder- 1/4 tsp 

• For the Layering:

• Ghee- 1/2 cup 

• Onions-2, thinly sliced

• Bay leaves- 2

• loves

• cinnamon stick

• green cardamoms

• chopped mint leaves- 1/4 cup

• chopped coriander leaves- 1/4 cup 

• 1/4 tsp kewra water or rose water

• 1/2 saffron strands, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Chicken Marination: In a big bowl, combine well the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If convenient you can leave it overnight.

2. Cooking of the Rice: Rinse well and drain the water from the soaked basmati rice. Bring the water to boil in a pot. Add the bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms. Add the rice and salt to taste. Cook the rice for 5-7 minutes until partially cooked (al dente). Drain the rice and set aside.

3. Prepare the Garnishing: Heat ghee in a pan or pot. Add the onions and fry until golden brown. Remove the onions with a spoon and set aside. Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms to the remaining ghee. Saute for a few seconds until fragrant.

4. Assemble the Biryani: In a large pot or baking dish, spread half of the cooked rice. Top it with half of the fried onions, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and marinated chicken pieces. Drizzle some rose water or kewra water. This will enhance the texture.

Repeat the layering with the remaining rice, fried onions, herbs, and chicken. Add the saffron milk over the top layer.

1. Seal and Cook: Seal the pot tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure the potential is tightly sealed to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked throughly and the rice is fluffy.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Awadhi Biryani:

• Use old basmati rice for the best results.

• Do not overcook the rice. 

• Marinate the chicken for a longer duration.

• Don't skip the layering process. 

• Adjust spices to your taste or as per your preference. 

Complimentary Side Dishes:

Awadhi Biryani is traditionally served with cool accompaniments to balance the rich flavors. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Raita

• Kachumber Salad

• Mirchi ka Salan

Final Thoughts

We hope you will give the recipe a try and let us know how it goes in the comments section below! 

Remember to visit your closest Charcoal Eats location if you want to experience the flavors of real or order the Awadhi cuisine without having to deal with cooking.