ദേ ബിരിയാണി. .. തലശ്ശേരി ദം ബിരിയാണി 🥰

ദേ ബിരിയാണി. .. തലശ്ശേരി ദം ബിരിയാണി 🥰 is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Nas Backer on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 50 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min

Cost: $15.27 total, $3.82 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Basmati Rice (rinsed and soaked 15 minutes)
  • 1 kg Chicken (bone‑in pieces, trimmed)
  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt (full‑fat, at room temperature)
  • 2 large Onion (thinly sliced; half for frying, half for gravy)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger (freshly grated)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped (adjust to heat preference))
  • 1 large Tomato (diced)
  • 1 sprig Curry Leaves (optional, for aroma)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (chopped, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (ground)
  • 4 pods Cloves (whole)
  • 4 pods Cardamom Pods (whole, lightly crushed)
  • 1 small Cinnamon Stick (2‑inch piece, broken)
  • 3 tablespoons Ghee (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying onions)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (or to taste)
  • 4 cups Water (for cooking rice)
  • 2 tablespoons Raisins (golden, optional)
  • 1/2 cup Fried Onions (golden, store‑bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Whole Spices

    Break the cinnamon stick, lightly crush the cardamom pods, and set the cloves aside. This releases their aroma for later use.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Onions

    Thinly slice the onions. Reserve half of the sliced onions for garnish and keep the other half for the gravy.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Mince Aromatics

    Finely mince the garlic and ginger, then chop the green chilies. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Marinate Chicken

    In a mixing bowl combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and let it rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Fry Onions and Whole Spices

    Heat oil and ghee in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves) and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add the sliced onions and fry until deep golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for layering later.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Sauté Garlic‑Ginger‑Chili

    Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Cook Tomato

    Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 5 minutes until it softens and the oil begins to separate.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Add Marinated Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the chicken is about 75 % cooked through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  9. Simmer Chicken Gravy

    Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let the chicken simmer for another 10 minutes. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  10. Wash and Soak Rice

    Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the drained rice in fresh water for 15 minutes, then drain.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Par‑Fry Rice

    In a separate pot, melt a tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the whole spices again, then add the soaked rice. Stir‑fry gently for 5 minutes until the rice is lightly coated and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  12. Cook Rice Partially

    Pour 4 cups of boiling water into the rice, add lemon juice and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to low, cover tightly and simmer for 10 minutes until the rice is about 80 % cooked (still firm in the center).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  13. Layer the Biryani

    In the heavy‑bottomed pot used for the chicken, spread half of the partially cooked rice as the first layer. Top with the chicken gravy, half of the reserved fried onions, raisins, chopped coriander and mint. Repeat with the remaining rice and toppings. Drizzle the remaining ghee and sprinkle a pinch of garam masala on top.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Dum Cooking (Seal & Steam)

    Seal the pot with a tight‑fitting lid (or wrap the lid with a clean cloth and seal with foil). Cook on the lowest flame for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low heat

  15. Rest Before Serving

    Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest, still sealed, for 10 minutes. Then gently fluff with a fork and serve hot.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free, High‑protein, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy (yogurt, ghee)

Last updated: March 21, 2026

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ദേ ബിരിയാണി. .. തലശ്ശേരി ദം ബിരിയാണി 🥰

Recipe by Nas Backer

A fragrant, one‑pot chicken biryani inspired by Thalassery’s minimal‑spice tradition. With just a handful of whole spices, yogurt, and a touch of lemon, this recipe delivers aromatic rice and tender chicken without overwhelming heat. Perfect for home cooks who want authentic flavor with simple ingredients.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
55m
Prep
1h 12m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.27
Total cost
$3.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fry Onions and Whole Spices
  • Add Marinated Chicken
  • Cook Rice Partially
  • Layer the Biryani
  • Dum Cooking (Seal & Steam)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving
  • Use oven mitts when sealing and lifting the heavy pot

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Biryani in Kerala cuisine?

A

Chicken Biryani in Kerala, especially the Thalassery (Tellicherry) style, reflects the region’s historic trade links with Arab and European merchants. The dish blends Persian biryani techniques with local spices like curry leaves and a lighter masala, making it a celebratory staple at weddings and festivals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Biryani in Kerala cuisine?

A

Kerala offers several biryani variants: Thalassery biryani uses a subtle spice blend and short‑grain rice, Malabar biryani incorporates fried onions, cashews, and raisins, while coastal versions may add coconut milk. Each reflects local ingredient availability and cultural influences.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Thalassery Chicken Biryani traditionally served in Kerala?

A

It is traditionally served on a banana leaf with side dishes like raita, pickle, and boiled eggs. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a garnish of fried onions, raisins, and coriander complete the presentation.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Biryani traditionally associated with in Kerala culture?

A

Chicken Biryani is a centerpiece at weddings, Eid celebrations, Onam feasts, and family gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and abundance.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Biryani special or unique in Kerala cuisine compared to other Indian biryanis?

A

Kerala’s version uses fewer ground spices, relies on whole aromatics like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and often incorporates a touch of lemon juice and fried onions, resulting in a lighter yet fragrant profile distinct from the richer North Indian biryanis.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Biryani at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken before the dum stage, using too much water for the rice, and not sealing the pot tightly, which can cause steam to escape and result in dry biryani.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Biryani recipe use whole spices instead of a heavy ground masala?

A

Whole spices release their aroma slowly during frying and steaming, giving the biryani a layered fragrance without overwhelming heat, which aligns with the traditional Thalassery style that favors subtlety.

technical
Q

Can I make this Chicken Biryani ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight, pre‑fry the onions, and par‑cook the rice. Store each component separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and dum‑cook when ready. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Biryani is done?

A

The rice grains should be separate, fluffy, and slightly firm to the bite, while the chicken should be tender and coated in a glossy, thick gravy. The top layer should show golden fried onions and a subtle sheen from the ghee.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nas Backer specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nas Backer focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially Kerala‑style dishes, with clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nas Backer's approach to Kerala cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Nas Backer emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, authentic regional techniques like dum cooking, and practical shortcuts such as using pre‑fried onions, making traditional Kerala flavors accessible without complex equipment.

channel

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