Imagine stepping into the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the aroma of spices fills the air and the city’s vibrant energy is palpable. Now, imagine bringing the excitement into your own kitchen, especially if you’re living in Canada and you dont know how to make Bombay biryani at home. This beloved dish, with its rich blend of spices and mouth watering flavors, is more than just a meal, it’s a slice of Mumbai’s soul. For those missing the taste of Bombay Biryani, Zaafran crafted a guide to help you recreate this iconic dish right in your own kitchen. 

Read Also: Authentic Chicken Biryani Recipe

Bombay Biryani

Bombay Biryani, a popular rice dish in Mumbai, is a blend of spices and sour flavors that captures the city’s diversity. It’s a celebration of flavors, with a perfect balance of spices, yogurt tanginess, and caramelized onions, appealing to both seasoned and beginner cooks. 

Bombay Biryani Recipe 

Bombay biryani making at home is no more hustle as zaaffran bringing a very good bombay biryani recipe for you with tips and tricks. Here is the detail of Bombay biryani recipe.

Ingredients for Bombay Chicken Biryani:

Here are the major Bombay biryani ingredients which are going to use make it flavorful. 

(Tsp- Teaspoon; Tbsp- Tablespoon )

  • Chicken – 1 kg (large pieces with bones)
  • Basmati Rice- 750 gms
  • Potatoes- 5 medium (75 gms x5), peeled and halved

BOMBAY BIRYANI MASALA POWDER:

  • Green Cardamom- 10
  • Cloves- 10
  • Black Peppercorns- 1 tsp
  • Cinnamon-2 (1” pieces)
  • Star Anise-2 
  • Mace (Javitri)- 1 flower
  • Nutmeg (Jaiphal)- 1/4 piece
  • Black Cardamom- 2
  • Shah jeera-1/2 tsp 
  • Coriander Seeds- 4 tsp
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Red Chillies- 5
  • Kasuri Methi Leaves- 1 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder- 3/4 tsp ( roast and grind them to make a powder)

FOR COOKING CHICKEN: 

  • Cumin Seeds- 3/4 tsp 
  • Green Cardamom- 4 
  • Cloves-4
  • Cinnamon-1 
  • Bombay Biryani Masala powder- 6 tsp
  • Red Chilli Powder- 2 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder- 1/4 tsp
  • Salt- 2 tsp + 1/2 tsp for potatoes
  • Fried Onions- 5 medium onions  (barista from 3 medium onions for chicken and 2 medium onions for garnishing later)
  • Ginger Garlic paste- 3 tbsp
  • Green Chillies, finely chopped- 3-4 
  • Coriander Leaves, chopped- 4 tbsp 
  • Whisked curd/yogurt- 150 ml
  • Red tomatoes cut into roundels or sliced – 3 (250 gms)
  • Oil- 2 tbsp
  • Ghee-2 tbsp

FOR COOKING RICE: 

  • Basmati Rice- 750 gms
  • Green Cardamom- 4
  • Cloves-4
  • Cinnamon- 2
  • Shah jeera – 1 tsp
  • Salt- 2.5 tbsp (tablespoon)
  • Water – 2.5 litre
  • Ghee- 1 tbsp

FOR LAYERING BIRYANI: 

  • Ghee- 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp (after layering)
  • Birista fried earlier from 2 medium onions 
  • Coriander leaves, chopped- 2 tbsp
  • Saffron soaked in 1/2 cup warm milk
  • Red colour (optional)- few drops 

Preparation of Bombay Biryani:

After knowing the secret ingredients of the Bombay biryani, next you may think about how to cook Bombay biryani. Preparation of the delicious Bombay biryani will be done by these steps. So make sure you follow each step cautiously to make spicy Bombay biryani. 

  1. First prepare the Bombay Biryani Masala as per details given earlier.
  2. This can also be made in advance and stored in a sealed glass container. 
  3. Keep the chicken pieces ready.
  4. Slice the 5 medium onions and fry them in hot oil until golden. (like a birista ). Take out fried onions from 3 medium onions and crush them lightly with your hand. Keep the balance birista aside for use as garnish. 
  5. Peel the potatoes and cut them into halves. Keep in a bowl of water till you add them for cooking. 
  6. Chop the green chillies and the coriander leaves. Slice the red tomatoes or cut them into roundels. 
  7. Whisk the curd/yogurt and set aside.
  8. Wash and soak the basmati rice in water 30 mins before you cook the rice.
  9. Also soak the saffron strands in warm milk once you start the preparation if you want a robust colour

COOKING CHICKEN: 

  1. Heat oil & ghee in a curry pan and add the tempering.
  2. Give a stir and then add chicken. Give a mix for 1 min on high heat and then add the ginger garlic paste & finely chopped green chillies.
  3. Give a mix and keep frying on high heat for 2 mins. 
  4. Reduce heat to medium and continue to fry for 3 mins.
  5. Now add the potato halves, 6 tsp of the Bombay Biryani Masala, the other Spice Powders and salt. 
  6. (2 tsp + 1/2 tsp for potatoes)
  7. Mix and fry on medium heat for 5-6 mins. 
  8. Now switch off heat.
  9. First add the crushed fried onions (from 3 medium onions). And then slowly add the whisked curd/yogurt. Mix well and then switch on heat on low. Mix and cook on low heat for 2-3 mins till oil separates. 
  10. Now add the finely chopped coriander leaves and simmer on low heat for 2 mins till oil separates. 
  11. Now mix well and cover and cook on low heat for around 15 mins. 
  12. Now arrange the tomato roundels on the chicken and cover again.
  13. After 5 mins give a mix and continue  to cook on low heat for another 2 mins till chicken and potatoes are tender

COOKING RICE:

  1. Boil 2.5 litre water in a rice pot and add the whole spices, salt and ghee. 
  2. Once the water comes to a boil, add the soaked  rice. 
  3. Cook on high heat for 6-7 mins stirring a few times. Switch off heat after that

LAYERING THE BIRYANI:

  1. Take another rice pot and brush it with ghee. 
  2. Take out the boiled rice with a ladle to strain the water and layer it. Continue to layer half of the cooked rice and then arrange the cooked chicken and potatoes.
  3. Add half the onions and the chopped coriander leaves.
  4. Layer the balanced rice on top.
  5. Now sprinkle the ghee, Saffron milk and rest of the fried onions
  6. Close the lid. 
  7. Place on the flame/heat on low heat for 7-8 mins. 
  8. Switch off and allow to rest for at least 30 mins before serving.

Conclusion

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FAQs

What makes Bombay Biryani different?
Bombay Biryani stands out for its unique blend of spices, slightly tangy yogurt, and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions. Unlike other biryanis, it often includes potatoes and a special Bombay Biryani Masala.

What is the secret ingredient for biryani?
The secret ingredient in many biryani recipes is the Biryani Masala, which includes a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin. Freshly ground masala can significantly enhance the flavor.

How to bring flavor in biryani?
To bring out deep flavors in biryani, use fresh spices, marinate your meat or vegetables, layer the ingredients carefully, and cook it on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

How can I make my biryani more tasty?
For a tastier biryani, use high-quality Basmati rice, add a touch of saffron or rose water, include fried onions for added richness, and don’t skimp on fresh herbs like mint and coriander.

Is Bombay Biryani Masala spicy?
Bombay Biryani Masala can be spicy, but it’s typically balanced with other flavors. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste preference.