Chettinad Biryani

Chettinad Biryani

Chettinad Biryani hails from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its fiery, aromatic cuisine and masterful use of spices. Unlike other biryanis, this version is marked by the use of freshly ground masalas, seeraga samba rice (a short, fragrant grain), and an intense layering of flavors developed from roasted spices, coconut, and curry leaves. Typically cooked with chicken or mutton, Chettinad Biryani features prominently in traditional Tamil food recipes. It is deeply rustic, bold in flavor, and beloved across Tamil households for festive occasions and Sunday family meals.

What makes Chettinad Biryani distinctive is the use of a homemade biryani masala paste that includes star anise, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and dry red chilies. The balance of heat and fragrance is key, and the preparation is usually one-pot — where the meat and rice are cooked together in layers and steamed over low heat. This method ensures that the spices seep into every grain of rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish best served with onion raita or brinjal (eggplant) curry.

Chettinad Chicken Biryani Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

For the rice:

• 2 cups seeraga samba rice (or basmati rice if unavailable)
• Water for boiling
• Salt to taste

For the chicken marinade:

• 500g chicken (bone-in preferred)
• ½ cup yogurt
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Chettinad masala paste:

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4–5 dry red chilies
• 3 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 star anise
• 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

Other ingredients:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
• ¼ cup chopped mint leaves
• 3 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms

Instructions:

1.   Marinate the chicken:

• Combine chicken with yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2.   Prepare the Chettinad masala paste:

• Dry roast all masala ingredients until aromatic (about 2–3 minutes).
• Cool and grind into a fine paste using a little water.

3.   Cook the rice:

• Boil rice with water, salt, bay leaf, and whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) until 70–80% done. Drain and keep aside.

4.   Prepare the biryani base:

• In a large heavy pot or pressure cooker, heat oil/ghee.
• Sauté onions until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté until raw smell disappears.
• Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Add the ground Chettinad masala paste and sauté for 5–6 minutes until oil separates.
• Add marinated chicken and cook until 80% done.

5.   Layer and cook:

• Add chopped mint and coriander leaves.
• Spread partially cooked rice on top.
• Sprinkle a bit of ghee and a few mint leaves.
• Cover tightly and cook on very low heat for 15–20 minutes (dum method), or pressure cook for one whistle and let rest.

6.   Serve:

• Gently fluff the biryani before serving.
• Serve hot with onion raita and spicy eggplant gravy.

FAQs – Chettinad Biryani

Q: What is the key difference between Chettinad Biryani and other biryanis?
A: The freshly ground masala with dry red chilies, pepper, fennel, and coconut makes Chettinad Biryani more robust and spicier than most other versions.

Q: Can I make it with mutton or seafood?
A: Absolutely. Use mutton (cook longer for tenderness) or prawns (added later to avoid overcooking).

Q: What kind of rice is best for Chettinad Biryani?
A: Seeraga samba rice is traditional and preferred for its fragrance and texture, but basmati can be substituted.

Q: Is this biryani too spicy?
A: It has a bold, spicy profile typical of Tamil cuisine, but you can reduce the number of red chilies and pepper to tone it down.

Q: Can it be made vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute chicken with mushrooms, paneer, or a mix of vegetables like potato, carrot, and peas. Keep the masala paste for that signature flavor.

Read More Food Recipes: 

Mughlai Biryani

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