- August 12, 2025
Bhatkali Biryani Recipe – A Royal Coastal Karnataka Delight
When it comes to the world of biryanis in India, the Bhatkali Biryani Recipe has a unique place. Originating from the coastal town of Bhatkal in Karnataka, this dish is a blend of Persian influences and local Konkan flavors. Unlike the rich gravies of Hyderabadi biryani or the smoky dum style of Awadhi biryani, authentic Bhatkali biryani is distinguished by its onion-tomato masala base and the clever use of green chilies. This gives the dish a slightly tangy, fiery, and aromatic profile.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the step by step Bhatkali biryani preparation, explain its origin, list the exact Bhatkali biryani ingredients, and provide a detailed cooking method so that you can easily try Bhatkali biryani at home.
The Origin of Bhatkali Biryani
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to know the Bhatkali biryani origin. Bhatkal, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, was historically a bustling trade center with influences from Arab traders and Persian settlers. These influences blended with local cooking styles to create the traditional Bhatkali biryani recipe.
The signature technique lies in the use of onions fried until golden, mixed with tomatoes and green chilies, layered with fragrant rice, and cooked in dum style. The resulting Bhatkali biryani masala is lighter than other regional biryanis yet deeply flavorful.
Types of Bhatkali Biryani
Depending on the protein used, there are different variations of this dish:
Bhatkali Chicken Biryani Recipe – The most popular version, cooked with juicy chicken pieces.
Bhatkali Mutton Biryani Recipe – A richer version, often served during weddings and special occasions.
Bhatkali Fish Biryani Recipe – A coastal specialty, perfect for seafood lovers.
Vegetarian versions also exist, but the dish is traditionally non-vegetarian.
Each of these recipes follows the same base method but varies slightly in cooking time and spices.
Bhatkali Biryani Ingredients
To prepare Bhatkali biryani at home, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Rice
2 cups long-grain basmati rice (Bhatkali biryani rice)
5 cups water
2 bay leaves
4–5 green cardamoms
2 cloves
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt
For the Masala (Bhatkali Biryani Masala)
500 g chicken/mutton/fish (depending on the variation you choose)
3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
8–10 green chilies, slit
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
4 tbsp oil or ghee
Garnish and Layering
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Fresh mint leaves, chopped
Fried onions (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
A few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk (optional for Bhatkali dum biryani recipe)
How to Make Bhatkali Biryani – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
Boil water with bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside. This ensures that the rice will finish cooking during the dum process.
Step 2: Prepare the Bhatkali Biryani Masala
Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. This step is crucial because the sweetness of the onions balances the spiciness of the green chilies.
Next, add ginger-garlic paste and cook until aromatic. Add the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies. Allow them to soften and blend into the mixture, forming the unique base of the authentic Bhatkali biryani.
Now add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to form the Bhatkali biryani masala.
Add your protein of choice – chicken, mutton, or fish. Cook until the meat is well-coated with the masala and partially cooked. For mutton, you may need to pressure cook until tender.
Step 3: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy pot, start layering:
Spread a layer of the prepared masala with meat.
Add a layer of partially cooked rice.
Sprinkle chopped coriander, mint leaves, and fried onions.
Drizzle with saffron milk and lemon juice.
Repeat until all rice and masala are used, finishing with rice on top.
Step 4: Dum Cooking Method
Seal the pot with a tight lid (or wheat dough around the edges) to trap the steam. Place it on a low flame and cook for 20–25 minutes. This Bhatkali biryani cooking method ensures all flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before gently fluffing up the layers. Serve hot with onion raita or salad.
Tips for Perfect Bhatkali Biryani Preparation
Always use long-grain basmati rice for that royal feel.
Green chilies are the soul of Bhatkali biryani style – don’t replace them entirely with red chili powder.
For fish biryani, marinate the fish lightly and fry it before layering to prevent breakage.
Don’t overcook the rice initially; it must remain slightly firm.
A heavy-bottomed vessel ensures even cooking during dum.
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Why Bhatkali Biryani is Special
Unlike other biryanis that use yogurt-based gravies or heavy masalas, the traditional Bhatkali biryani recipe relies on a delicate onion-tomato-chili base. This keeps the dish flavorful yet light. The Bhatkali biryani preparation is straightforward but requires patience, especially in caramelizing onions and slow-cooking the layers.
It is a festive dish in Bhatkal, prepared during weddings, Eid celebrations, and special gatherings. The Bhatkali biryani Karnataka style continues to win hearts across India for its unique balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with cucumber or onion raita.
Serve with pickle or papad for crunch.
For festive occasions, accompany it with shorba (a thin curry) or boiled egg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Bhatkali Biryani spicy?
Yes, the use of green chilies gives it a fiery kick, but the spice can be adjusted.
Q2: Can I make Bhatkali Biryani without meat?
Yes, you can replace meat with vegetables or paneer for a vegetarian version.
Q3: What makes Bhatkali Biryani different from Hyderabadi Biryani?
The authentic Bhatkali biryani uses an onion-tomato-green chili base, while Hyderabadi relies on a yogurt and fried onion base.
Q4: Can I cook Bhatkali Biryani in a pressure cooker?
Yes, but for the authentic Bhatkali biryani style, dum cooking is recommended.
Q5: What’s the best protein for this biryani?
The Bhatkali chicken biryani recipe is the most common, but the Bhatkali mutton biryani recipe is richer and festive.
Interesting Facts
The Bhatkali Biryani Recipe is a perfect blend of history, tradition, and taste. Whether you try the Bhatkali chicken biryani recipe, the Bhatkali mutton biryani recipe, or even the Bhatkali fish biryani recipe, you’ll experience a burst of flavors unique to coastal Karnataka.
If you’ve always wondered how to make Bhatkali biryani, this step-by-step guide with detailed Bhatkali biryani ingredients and cooking method ensures you can easily recreate the magic in your own kitchen. Try this Bhatkali dum biryani recipe once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again!
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