Beef Biryani is a delectable and aromatic rice dish that combines succulent pieces of beef with fragrant basmati rice and an array of spices. It is a beloved and popular dish in South Asian cuisine, particularly in countries like India and Pakistan. This flavorful one-pot meal is perfect for special occasions or gatherings, and it will surely impress your family and guests with its rich flavors and enticing aroma.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Basmati Rice – 3 cups
- Beef, cut into cubes – 500g
- Chopped onions – 4 (3 for beef curry and 1 for rice)
- Chopped Tomatoes – 2
- Curd (Yogurt) – 1 cup
- Ghee – 4 tablespoons
- Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon (1″ piece) – 2
- Cardamom – 6
- Cloves – 6
- Salt – as needed
To Ground:
- Green chilies – 3
- Ginger pieces – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic pods, chopped – 1 tablespoon
- Coriander powder – 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf – 1
- Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander leaves – 1/2 cup
- Mint leaves – 1/4 cup
To Garnish:
- Cashew nuts – 15
- Raisins – 15
- Onion, sliced vertically – 1
- Coriander leaves, finely chopped – 2 tablespoons
Method of Preparation
1. Preparing the Rice:
- Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes, then drain in a colander.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves) to the boiling water.
- Cook the rice until it is about 70-80% done.
- Drain the rice and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons each of ghee and oil in a pressure cooker.
- Fry the ground ingredients (green chilies, ginger, garlic, coriander powder, turmeric, bay leaf, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander, and mint leaves).
- Add 3 chopped onions and stir for 2 minutes until the color changes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Add the beef pieces and stir until the gravy dries up.
- Pour curd and salt to taste, then close the pressure cooker.
- Pressure cook the beef for 3 to 4 whistles.
- Let the pressure release naturally, then set the cooked beef aside.
3. Preparing the Garnish:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large biryani pot.
- Fry the cashew nuts, raisins, and vertically sliced onions one by one.
- Set them aside for garnishing.
4. Cooking the Rice and Mixing Biryani:
- In the same pot, add cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon.
- Add 1 chopped onion and sauté well.
- Add 4.5 cups of water, lime juice, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
- Allow the water to boil, then add the soaked basmati rice.
- When the rice starts to boil, cover the pot with a lid and cook on low flame until the water evaporates completely and the rice turns soft and dry.
- Mix the beef curry with the cooked basmati rice using a fork.
5. Final Touch:
- Garnish the biryani with fried cashew nuts, raisins, caramelized onions, and coriander leaves.
- Cover and keep the biryani warm until serving.
- Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and reheat if necessary.
- Serve the beef biryani with raita, date pickle, and pappad.
Beef Biryani is a labor of love, requiring time and attention to detail. However, the end result is a delicious and satisfying dish that will bring joy to your family and guests. Enjoy the rich flavors, tender meat, and aromatic rice in this classic South Asian delicacy!
