Biryani Masala Powder

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
5.0
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The ultimate spice blend for the ultimate biryani! This Biryani Masala is sure to be a staple in your pantry which will easily outdo any of its store-bought versions. Make your biryani taste like a royal feast using this delicious concoction.

Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
10min
Total Time
20min
Biryani Masala Powder recipe

Ingredients

10 Servings
  • 5g
    Green Cardamom
  • 5g
    Mace
  • 5g
    Star Anise (Chakra Phool)
  • 10g
    Black Peppercorns
  • 1
    Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
  • 25g
    Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya)
  • 5g
    Cinnamon Stick
  • 5g
    Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi)
  • 25g
    Cumin Seeds (Jeera)/Caraway Seeds (Shahi Jeera)
  • 10g
    Dried Pomegranate (Anardana) (ground)
  • 10g
    Dried Red Chilli/Dried Kashmiri Red Chilli
  • 5g
    Bay Leaves (Tej Patta)
  • 2
    Cloves (Laung)
  • 20g
    Fennel Seeds (Saunf) (optional)

How to make Biryani Masala Powder

  1. Place a heavy-bottomed pan or a wok on low to medium flame.

  2. Add green cardamom, mace, star anise, black peppercorns, nutmeg powder, coriander seeds, cinnamon, black cardamom, caraway seeds, dried pomegranate, dried red chillies, bay leaves, cloves and fennel seeds.

    Step 1.1: Add green cardamom, mace, star anise, black peppercorns, nutmeg powder, coriander seeds, cinnamon, black cardamom, caraway seeds, dried pomegranate, dried red chillies, bay leaves, cloves and fennel seeds
  3. Dry roast for 5-8 minutes till they change their colour and a nice aroma arises.

    Step 1.1: Dry roast for 5-8 minutes till they change their colour and a nice aroma arises
  4. Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices.

    Step 1.1: Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices
  5. Turn off the flame.

  6. Immediately transfer the spices to a plate and let them cool completely.

  7. Transfer the spices to a mixer and grind them to make a fine powder.

    Step 1.1: 

 Transfer the spices to a mixer and grind them to make a fine powder
  8. Store in an airtight container, preferably in a glass bottle.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Do not roast spices on high flame as the spices might burn.

  2. You can dry roast the spices one at a time to avoid burning.

  3. Store Biryani Masala in a cool place. It can also be refrigerated in an airtight jar for a longer shelf life.

  4. Always use a dry spoon when scooping out the Biryani Masala. Moisture can cause the masala to clump together.

  5. The best part about making your own spice blends is that you can control the ingredients' quality and how spicy it is. If you’re not a fan of heat, then simply omit or reduce the red chillies from this recipe.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Biryani Masala Powder at home?

    To make Biryani Masala Powder at home, start by dry roasting a mix of spices including green cardamom, mace, star anise, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and more in a heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat for 5-8 minutes until fragrant. Then, let the spices cool completely before grinding them into a fine powder using a mixer. Store the powder in an airtight container for future use.

  2. What are some dietary considerations for Biryani Masala Powder?

    Biryani Masala Powder is naturally gluten-free and can be suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, as it contains a blend of spices without any animal products. However, always check individual spice sources if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

  3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the Biryani Masala Powder recipe?

    Yes, you can make substitutions based on availability. For instance, if you don't have star anise, you can use a pinch of anise seeds or omit it. Similarly, if you can't find dried pomegranate, you can skip it or use a small amount of tamarind powder for a tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the flavor profile.

  4. How should I store Biryani Masala Powder to maintain its freshness?

    To keep your Biryani Masala Powder fresh, store it in an airtight container, preferably a glass bottle, in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the spices' aroma and flavor for a longer period. It's best used within 3-6 months for optimal taste.

  5. What dishes can I pair with homemade Biryani Masala Powder?

    Homemade Biryani Masala Powder is perfect for enhancing the flavor of biryani, but it can also be used in other dishes like pulao, curries, and even roasted vegetables. You can sprinkle it on grilled meats or use it to season lentils for a flavorful twist.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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