Kongunadu Special Pattani Biryani (Green Peas Biryani From Kongunadu)
A perfect blend of fragrant basmati rice and green peas, the Kongunadu Special Pattani Biryani is a delightful, aromatic dish that comes from the region of Kongunadu, which includes parts of Erode, Salem, and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. This recipe brings out the flavors of the region without being overly spicy or oily, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comforting yet flavorful one-pot dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a lazy weekend lunch, a picnic, or even a lunchbox, this Green Peas Biryani is simple to make, takes only about 40 minutes to cook, and packs in tons of flavor.
Cuisine: Kongunadu
Course: One Pot Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 2 cups |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaves (tej patta) | 2 leaves |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (Elaichi) | 3-4 pods |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 cloves |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 1 cup (peeled and kept whole) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (grated) |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece (grated) |
| Green chillies | 4 chillies (slit lengthwise) |
| Tomatoes | 2 tomatoes (finely chopped) |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander leaves (Dhania) | Small bunch (finely chopped) |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4-5 servings
Instructions:
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Soak the Rice: Begin by washing the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain it and set it aside.
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Prepare the Flavored Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and fennel seeds. Sauté for a minute to release the fragrant spices.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the peeled pearl onions (sambar onions) to the pan. Fry them for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Next, add the grated ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously, allowing the aromas to meld together.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomatoes and turmeric powder. Sauté the mixture until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
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Add the Green Peas and Rice: Once the tomatoes have softened, add the green peas, followed by the washed basmati rice. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
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Cook the Biryani: Pour in 4 cups of water and add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
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Rest and Garnish: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the Kongunadu Special Pattani Biryani rest for 5 minutes. Afterward, gently fluff the rice, then stir in some freshly squeezed lime juice and finely chopped coriander leaves.
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Serve: Serve this aromatic Kongunadu Special Pattani Biryani with a side of Thakkali Vengaya Pachadi (a tangy tomato-onion chutney) for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Mint and Coriander: Fresh mint and coriander bring a refreshing taste to this biryani. Do not skip them as they are key to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Pearl Onions: Pearl onions, or sambar onions, are often used in Kongunadu cuisine for their mild sweetness and subtle flavor. They add a delicate taste to the biryani.
- Cooking Rice: Ensure the rice is cooked on low heat to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cover the pan well to trap the steam, allowing the rice to cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions:
Kongunadu Special Pattani Biryani pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes such as Thakkali Vengaya Pachadi (tomato and onion chutney), yogurt-based raita, or even a simple cucumber salad.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make vegetarian biryani, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a special gathering with loved ones!
