Biryani Rice Recipe (Kuska Rice) – Fluffy, Aromatic & Restaurant Style

Biryani Rice, also known as Kuska Rice, is a South Indian rice recipe made without vegetables or meat, yet packed with fragrant biryani flavors. This restaurant-style biryani rice is light, fluffy, and full of aroma from biryani masala and whole spices.

The word “Kuska” is popular in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to describe plain biryani rice served with salna or kurma. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, weekend meals, or festive feasts when you want the taste of biryani without the heaviness of a full meat or vegetable version.

This recipe uses basmati rice and the dum cooking method to ensure each grain is separate and infused with spices. It pairs beautifully with chicken curry, vegetable kurma, egg curry, or even plain yogurt.

Ingredients for Biryani Rice (Serves 4)

For Cooking Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice (aged, long-grain variety)

• 4 cups water

• 1 bay leaf

• 3 cloves

• 3 green cardamoms

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• 1 black cardamom (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

For Biryani Masala Base:

• 3 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2 green chilies (slit)

• ½ cup yogurt (whisked)

• 2 tsp Biryani Masala powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt as needed

• ½ tsp garam masala powder

• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves (chopped)

For Garnish:

• Fried onions (optional)

• Few saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional for color)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak & Prepare Rice

1. Rinse the basmati rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear.

2. Soak for 30 minutes and drain well.

3. This step ensures the rice grains remain fluffy and separate after cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. In a large pot, boil water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, star anise, and salt.

2. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done (still firm inside).

3. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook.

Step 3: Prepare Biryani Masala Base

1. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottom pot.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook until raw smell disappears.

4. Lower the flame, add yogurt, biryani masala, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt.

5. Cook until the masala becomes fragrant and oil starts to separate.

Step 4: Layering the Kuska Rice

1. In the same pot, spread half the cooked rice over the masala.

2. Sprinkle mint leaves, coriander leaves, fried onions, and saffron milk (if using).

3. Add the remaining rice and repeat the garnish layer.

4. Drizzle a teaspoon of ghee on top for aroma.

Step 5: Dum Cooking

1. Cover the pot with a tight lid (you can seal the edges with dough for authentic dum biryani style).

2. Place the pot over very low heat for 15–20 minutes.

3. Turn off the flame and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

4. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve biryani rice with vegetable kurma, egg curry, chicken salna, or even dal tadka.

• For a simple meal, pair it with raita and salad.

• Perfect for festivals, weekend lunches, or family dinners.

Occasions to Make Biryani Rice

• Festivals: Eid, Diwali, Pongal, Onam

• Special Gatherings: Weddings, Housewarming Parties

• Daily Meals: Lunchbox-friendly and light on the stomach

• Weekend Treats: A quick alternative to full biryani

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Pro Tips for Perfect Biryani Rice

• Use aged basmati rice for the best texture.

• Always soak rice before cooking to avoid stickiness.

• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing biryani masala and green chilies.

• For extra aroma, add a few drops of kewra water or rose water before sealing the pot.

• Resting time after cooking helps flavors blend beautifully.

This Kuska Rice recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful alternative to traditional biryani. With its restaurant-style aroma and fluffy texture, it can be paired with any curry or enjoyed on its own. Perfect for beginners and biryani lovers alike, this plain biryani rice will surely become a regular at your dining table.