What is Biryani in Indian Cuisine?

Biryani, the royal meat-and-rice casserole, travelled to India with the Mughals (who acquired the recipe from Persia).Over time it absorbed local culinary practices; the cities of Lucknow in the north and Hyderabad in the south are particularly famed for their respective biryani traditions.

The best way to make a great biryani is the dum method. Partially cooked rice and spiced chicken are sealed in an earthen pot, and slow-cooked. When opened, the fragrance of the biryani guarantees a good tuck-in!

The test of a perfect biryani is to drop a handful on the floor; if the rice grains remain separate, you’ve mastered the art!