India has a rich food heritage and it is evident from all the scrumptious dishes that the cuisine scene has to offer. Biryani is one such culinary classic which is a global favorite. The origin of the dish lies in the royal Mughal kitchens and has evolved over the years as well. When you're looking for Biryani in Brooklyn NY you will find many variations of this dish.
There are several variations of Biryani all across India and it is mainly because of the regional availability of different ingredients. If you want to experience the diversity in Indian cuisine, here are some Biryanis that you must try.
Hyderabadi Biryani
This is one of the most popular variations of Biryani and originated in Royal Kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The traditional Hyderabadi Biryani uses goat as the meat and it is cooked together with rice in a deep bottomed vessel, preferably earthen, and the top of the vessel is sealed with dough. When the rice and meat are cooked together, the flavor of the meat slowly seeps into the rice, creating a lip-smacking flavor. The meat and rice combined with strong spices, fried onions, and herbs generate the trademark flavor of Biryani.
Awadhi Biryani
This is another popular variation of Biryani that originated in a time when Indian culinary finesse was at its peak. In this variation, the rice and meat are cooked separately. The rice is cooked with various exotic spices to induce a distinct flavor and aroma. Marinated meat is then added in the rice and slow-cooked in Dum Pukht style for hours until the subtle aroma of the spices begins to grace the senses. Saffron and star anise play a key role in creating the distinct aroma of Awadhi Biryani.
Shrimp Biryani
This Biryani is unique to the coastal region of India, especially Goa. Prepared with red Goan rice and shrimp, this is a unique take on the traditional Biryani. The Biryani also has a very interesting flavor due to the use of regional spices like red chilies, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, curry leaves, and coconut milk. If you love seafood and planning to try Indian food in Brooklyn NY then you should definitely give Shrimp Biryani a try.
Sindhi Biryani
This Biryani is quite popular in the Gujarat-Sindh region and has its own distinguished taste and flavors. This Biryani can be a little on the spicier side due to the use of some fiery spices. Soft mutton chunks are usually the meat of choice in this Biryani and serve as a base on which the dish is prepared. Potatoes, tomatoes, and yogurt are also used along with fried onions to bring out the unique flavors of the dish. If you are able to handle the spice, then this zesty and spicy Biryani is a must-try for any Biryani lover.
Kolkata Biryani
The Biryani cooked in the West Bengal region of India is influenced by the Awadhi Biryani cooking style. However, a few modifications were made to the dish by incorporating regional ingredients like deep-fried potatoes. The potatoes were initially used as a replacement for expensive meat and over the years it became a signature style of that region. Traditional Biryani spices like cinnamon, cardamom, etc are used in this preparation along with saffron and rosewater. Chicken and mutton are the meats of choice in this Biryani.
Bombay Biryani
This is another lip-smacking variation of Biryani and has a distinct tangy taste. Each spoonful of this dish is a riot of flavors in your mouth and you will find yourself craving for more. Chicken and mutton are commonly used in this Biryani and spicy fried potatoes are also often added to the mix. Traditional Biryani spices and herbs are used to cook the dish and the slight sweetness in its flavor is due to the use of dried plums and ‘kewra' water. When seeking Indian food delivery in Brooklyn NY, try out Bombay Biryani for a hearty meal.
Chettinad Biryani
Chettinad Biryani is a unique presentation of the basic Chicken Biryani. This dish is flavorful, a bit spicy, and is utterly satisfying. Originating in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad Biryani is known for being spicy and aromatic. While the regular ingredients of the Biryani remain more or less the same, this Biryani variation uses some additional regionally available spices as well as coconut milk. The coconut milk adds an interesting blend in the flavor. Also, Basmati rice is not used in this variation unlike traditional Biryani, rather Seeraga Samba, a regional rice variety is used in the dish.
