Calcutta Biryani Recipe

Calcutta Biryani is a unique and flavorful variant of biryani that includes the addition of potatoes and a touch of sweetness from keora (pandan) water. This dish is a favorite in Kolkata and is known for its light and fragrant taste.

Ingredients for Calcutta Biryani

2 cups basmati rice
500g meat (chicken or mutton)
2 large potatoes, peeled and halved
1/2 cup yogurt
1 pinch saffron
Whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaves)
2 onions, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Keora water
Salt to taste
3 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ghee

Instructions for Making Calcutta Biryani

Preparation: Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes. Cook the rice until it's 70% done, then drain and set aside.
Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, mix the meat with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
Cook the Meat: Heat oil in a large pot. Fry the onions until golden brown and set aside half for garnishing. Add the marinated meat, tomatoes, garam masala, and whole spices. Cook until the meat is tender.
Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until they are partially cooked, then add them to the meat mixture.
Layer the Biryani: In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half of the partially cooked rice. Add the cooked meat and potato mixture, then top with the remaining rice. Sprinkle saffron, keora water, chopped coriander, and mint leaves.
Dum Cooking: Drizzle ghee over the top layer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes (dum method) until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors are well blended.
Serve: Garnish with fried onions and serve hot with raita and salad.

Tips for Success

Rice: Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture and flavor.
Meat: Ensure the meat is marinated well to absorb the spices.
Potatoes: Partially cook the potatoes before layering to ensure they are tender.

Enjoy the delightful and aromatic flavors of Calcutta Biryani, a dish that adds a unique twist to the traditional biryani.