Plain Biriyani / Kuska Biriyani

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Gayatri (@rene121)

A unique way of preparing the famous biriyani recipe without any vegetables or meat. It's a popular South Indian biriyani particularly from the Hyderabadi cuisine. It goes well with vegetable kurma, egg kurma, and salan. If you like kismiss, add it to give a light sweetness to the biriyani.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr
Plain Biriyani / Kuska Biriyani recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cup)

Main Ingredients

  • 2cups
    Biriyani rice
  • 1piece
    onion
  • 10piece
    shallots
  • 2piece
    medium tomato
  • 1piece
    green chilli
  • 1tsp
    chilli powder
  • 1/2tsp
    coriander powder
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric powder
  • 1in
    ginger
  • 9clove
    garlic
  • 1piece
    small cinnamon
  • 3piece
    clove
  • 2piece
    cardamom
  • 1tsp
    fennel seeds
  • 1piece
    bay leaf
  • 1tsp
    garam masala
  • 2tbsp
    oil
  • 2tbsp
    ghee
  • 2tbsp
    curd
  • 1
    handful coriander leaves
  • 3cups
    water
  • salt to taste

How to make Plain Biriyani / Kuska Biriyani

Preparation

  1. Wash the rice and soak it for 20 minutes. After that, drain it.

Cooking

  1. Heat a pan and add oil. When the oil becomes hot, add cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Saute for 30 seconds.

  2. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilli. Saute for 1 minute.

  3. Add shallots and saute.

  4. Turn the flame to low, then add chilli powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder.

  5. Add tomato pieces and turn the flame to medium. Cook until the raw taste is gone.

  6. Add coriander leaves and turn off the flame. Let it cool completely, then grind it and keep aside.

  7. Heat a pressure cooker, add ghee and oil.

  8. Add chopped onion and saute until it becomes light brown.

  9. Add tomato pieces and salt. Saute until the tomato is cooked.

  10. Add the ground masala paste and saute for 1-2 minutes.

  11. Add curd and mix well.

  12. Add 3 cups of hot water along with garam masala.

  13. Add the rice. When it starts to boil vigorously, let it boil for 3 minutes.

  14. After that Close the lid without the whistle. Turn the flame to low and let it cook for 12 minutes.

  15. Turn off the flame. When the pressure is completely gone, open the lid and add coriander leaves. Mix well.

Tips & Tricks

  1. If you like a light sweetness, add kismiss to the biriyani.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Plain Biriyani / Kuska Biriyani suitable for a vegan diet?

    To make Plain Biriyani / Kuska Biriyani vegan, simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut or olive oil. Additionally, you can replace the curd with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this South Indian classic.

  2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Plain Biriyani?

    Plain Biriyani pairs wonderfully with vegetable kurma, egg kurma, or salan. These dishes complement the flavors of the biriyani and enhance the overall meal experience. You can also serve it with a side of raita or a simple salad for added freshness.

  3. Can I store leftover Plain Biriyani, and how should I do it?

    Yes, you can store leftover Plain Biriyani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the biriyani and microwave it or heat it on the stove, covered, to prevent it from drying out.

  4. What can I use as a substitute for biriyani rice in this recipe?

    If you don't have biriyani rice, you can use basmati rice as a substitute. Basmati rice will give you a similar texture and aroma. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as basmati may cook faster than traditional biriyani rice.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Plain Biriyani step by step?

    To make Plain Biriyani, start by washing and soaking the rice for 20 minutes. Then, sauté spices in oil, add ginger, garlic, and shallots, followed by tomatoes and spices. After cooling, grind the mixture into a paste. In a pressure cooker, sauté onions, add the ground paste, curd, and water, then mix in the rice. Boil for 3 minutes, cover without the whistle, and cook on low for 12 minutes. Finally, mix in coriander leaves before serving.

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rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

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