Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani

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Abhishek Boke (@kautumbikkitchen)

Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani is a fragrant, slow-cooked delicacy featuring marinated meat, aromatic spices, saffron-infused basmati rice, and dum-cooked layers, offering a rich and royal flavor.

Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 15min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = One plate of biryani)

Main Ingredients

  • Oil
    Oil
    2tsp
  • Desi Ghee
    Desi Ghee
    1tsp
  • Water
    Water
    1L
  • Soaked Rice
    Soaked Rice
    1/2kg
  • big Sliced Onion
    big Sliced Onion
    1
  • Chicken
    Chicken
    500g
  • Ginger Garlic Paste
    Ginger Garlic Paste
    1tsp
  • Red Chilly Powder
    Red Chilly Powder
    1tsp
  • Coriander Powder
    Coriander Powder
    1tsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Curd
    Curd
    3/4cup
  • Milk
    Milk
    1cup
  • Red Chilly Powder
    Red Chilly Powder
    1tsp
  • Coriander Powder
    Coriander Powder
    1tsp
  • Saffron
    Saffron
    1pinch
  • Chicken Gravy Masala
    Chicken Gravy Masala
    3tsp

Spices

  • Khade Masale
    Khade Masale
    1bundle

How to make Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani

Cooking Rice

  1. Step 1

    Heat a mix of oil and ghee in a pot, add whole spices, and sauté until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Pour in water, bring to a boil, add pre-soaked basmati rice, and cook until 70% done.

Cooking Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a kadai, cook chicken with ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and curd until tender.

Preparing Gravy

  1. Step 1

    In a separate bowl, mix milk, red chili powder, coriander powder, saffron, and chicken gravy masala to prepare a flavorful gravy.

Layering and Dum Cooking

  1. Step 1

    Layer the biryani by adding chicken gravy at the bottom, followed by cooked basmati rice, chicken pieces, the prepared gravy, and another layer of rice.

  2. Step 2

    Dum-cook on low heat for 15 minutes, and the delicious Lucknowi biryani is ready to be served.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

627.5kcal (31.37%)

Protein

36.3g (72.5%)

Carbs

55.0g (20%)

Sugars

3.8g (7.5%)

Healthy Fat

16.4g

Unhealthy Fat

10.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.

  2. Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

  3. Dum-cook on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

  4. Add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for an authentic royal touch.

FAQS

  1. Can I use mutton instead of chicken?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken with mutton, but ensure to cook the mutton until tender before layering it in the biryani.

  2. What is the significance of dum cooking?

    Dum cooking helps to infuse the flavors deeply into the rice and meat, creating a rich and aromatic biryani.

  3. Can I skip saffron?

    Saffron adds a unique aroma and color to the biryani, but you can skip it or substitute it with turmeric for color.

  4. How can I make the biryani spicier?

    Increase the quantity of red chili powder or add green chilies to the chicken and gravy preparation.

  5. What is the best accompaniment for Lucknowi biryani?

    Lucknowi biryani pairs well with raita, salad, or a side of spicy gravy.

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Abhishek Boke

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