Chicken Donne Biryani Recipe – Bangalore Shivaji Military Style
Discover the vibrant and aromatic world of Chicken Donne Biryani, a cherished dish from the heart of Bangalore, particularly renowned for its distinctive flavor and preparation style that harkens back to the traditions of the Shivaji Military. This recipe marries tender chicken, fragrant spices, and a special rice variety called Seeraga Samba, resulting in a biryani that is as hearty as it is satisfying. Perfect for a Sunday lunch, this recipe serves four and promises to delight your taste buds while offering a glimpse into Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (washed and cleaned) | 500 grams |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania) | 1/2 cup |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1/4 cup |
| Green chilies | 4 (adjust to taste) |
| Seeraga Samba rice (washed and soaked) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Star anise | 2 |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and washing the chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. -
Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed chicken with the yogurt, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Massage the mixture into the chicken for about five minutes, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption. -
Prepare the Green Biryani Masala
In a mixer jar, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chilies. Add a splash of water and grind them into a thick, fine paste. Transfer this vibrant green masala to a bowl and set aside. -
Cook the Biryani Base
In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame. Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, and star anise. Allow the spices to sizzle and release their fragrant aroma for about a minute. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Once the spices are sizzling, add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, followed by the sliced onions. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn golden brown, which should take about five minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor. -
Add the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, mixing them well with the sautéed onions and spices. Cook this mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until the chicken is seared on all sides. -
Combine Rice and Water
Now, add the freshly ground green biryani masala to the chicken, followed by the washed and drained Seeraga Samba rice. Pour in three cups of water and give everything a good mix to combine all the ingredients evenly. -
Simmer the Biryani
Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and let it simmer. For an authentic touch, boil some water in a separate saucepan, turn off the heat, and place this hot pan on top of the lid of the kadai. This technique helps seal the heat within, ensuring even cooking. -
Check for Doneness
After 20-25 minutes, carefully open the lid to check if the chicken and rice are fully cooked. If they are, use a fork to lightly fluff the Chicken Donne Biryani, separating the grains without breaking them. -
Serve
Transfer the aromatic Chicken Donne Biryani to a serving platter. For a delightful meal, serve it hot alongside Pudina & Dhaniya Raita, roasted papad, and a refreshing Satvik carrot sprout salad. Enjoy your hearty, flavorsome biryani that brings a taste of Karnataka to your dining table!
This Chicken Donne Biryani, steeped in tradition and bursting with flavors, is perfect for any special occasion or simply for a delightful family meal. Embrace the rich culinary heritage of Bangalore and savor the unique flavors that make this dish a true classic.
