White Biryani Recipe: A Unique Twist on Traditional Biryani

 

Biryani is one of the most beloved rice dishes in South Asia, known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and mouthwatering taste. While traditional biryani is often vibrant due to the use of turmeric, saffron, or food color, White Biryani offers a unique twist. It is a milder version of classic biryani, with a creamy texture and a rich, delicate flavor. Unlike traditional biryani, white biryani avoids red chili powder and artificial colors, making it a more subtle yet equally delicious dish.

In this article, you will find a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing White Biryani, along with essential tips to enhance its taste and presentation.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 green cardamoms
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick

For the Chicken:

• 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon white pepper powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup fresh cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons ghee or butter
• Salt to taste

For the Garnish:

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced and fried until golden brown)
• 2 tablespoons cashew nuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add salt, green cardamoms, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
3. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it is 70-80% done.
4. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, white pepper, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, and fresh cream.
2. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, marinate for 2-3 hours).

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat ghee or butter in a large pan.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until it becomes tender.
3. Pour in the milk and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken absorbs the flavors.
4. Turn off the heat and set the chicken aside.

Step 4: Assembling the Biryani

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, grease the base with ghee or butter.
2. Spread a layer of half of the cooked rice.
3. Add the chicken mixture evenly over the rice.
4. Cover with the remaining rice.
5. Sprinkle fried onions, cashew nuts, raisins, coriander, and mint leaves on top.

Step 5: Dum Cooking

1. Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough to trap steam.
2. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

White Biryani pairs beautifully with:

• Raita (yogurt-based side dish)
• Salad (cucumber, onions, and tomatoes with lemon dressing)
• Mint chutney
• Pickles for added tanginess

Pro Tips for the Perfect White Biryani

• Use high-quality basmati rice for long, fragrant grains.
• Do not overcook the rice before layering to maintain a perfect texture.
• Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavors.
• Seal the pot well during dum cooking to enhance the aroma.
• Use fresh cream to achieve the rich and creamy texture that distinguishes white biryani.

Conclusion

White Biryani is a delightful alternative to traditional biryani, offering a creamy and mild yet deeply flavorful dish. Whether you're looking for a special dinner recipe or want to try a new variation of biryani, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of this elegant and aromatic dish!