Delhi Biryani Recipe – The Royal North Indian Style Biryani

When we talk about biryani in India, every region has its unique twist. Hyderabad is known for its fiery dum biryani, Kolkata for its subtle flavors with potatoes, and Lucknow for its Nawabi touch. But Delhi too has a strong biryani tradition influenced by the Mughals, old Delhi street food, and North Indian spices. The Delhi biryani recipe is a flavorful combination of rich masala, aromatic basmati rice, and slow cooking.

In this article, we will walk through the Delhi chicken biryani recipe, Delhi mutton biryani recipe, vegetarian options, and how to make an authentic Delhi biryani recipe step by step at home.

What Makes Delhi Biryani Special?

Unlike the spicy Hyderabadi or coconut-rich Kerala biryani, the Delhi biryani recipe North Indian style has its own unique charm.

• It uses basmati rice for long, fluffy grains.

• The masala is cooked with onion, ginger-garlic paste, and yogurt for a rich base.

• It has Mughal-era influences but is simpler than Lucknowi biryani.

• Saffron or kewra water is often used for aroma.

• Can be made with chicken, mutton, or vegetables depending on preference.

This balance makes the traditional Delhi biryani recipe perfect for festive occasions as well as weekend family meals.

Ingredients for Delhi Biryani Recipe

Here’s what you need to make the Delhi special biryani recipe at home.

For the Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)

• 1 bay leaf

• 3–4 green cardamoms

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 cloves

• 1 tsp salt

For the Masala

• 500g chicken or mutton (or mixed vegetables for veg version)

• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)

• 2 tomatoes (chopped)

• ½ cup curd (whisked)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 3–4 green chilies (slit)

• 2 tbsp ghee + 2 tbsp refined oil

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tbsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp garam masala

• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves (chopped)

• Salt to taste

For Aromatics & Garnishing

• Few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk (or kewra water)

• Fried onions (birista)

• Cashews & raisins fried in ghee (optional)

Step-by-Step Delhi Biryani Recipe

Here’s the Delhi biryani recipe step by step for beginners.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Boil water with whole spices and salt.

2. Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 80–90% done.

3. Drain and spread on a tray to cool.

Step 2: Make the Masala

1. Heat ghee and oil in a pan.

2. Add onions and fry until golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté.

4. Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates.

5. Add chicken/mutton/vegetables, coat well in masala.

   • For Delhi mutton biryani recipe, pressure cook mutton until tender before layering.

6. Stir in whisked curd, salt, and garam masala. Cook until meat/veg is done.

Step 3: Layering the Biryani (Dum Style)

1. In a heavy-bottomed handi, add one layer of rice.

2. Spread a layer of masala over it.

3. Garnish with mint, coriander, fried onions, saffron milk.

4. Repeat until all rice and masala are used.

5. Cover tightly, place on very low flame, and cook for 20–25 minutes.

This slow cooking method gives you the Delhi dum biryani recipe with fluffy rice and infused flavors.

Variations of Delhi Biryani Recipe

1. Delhi Chicken Biryani Recipe

The most popular version in Delhi, usually found in restaurants and dhabas. Chicken is cooked with rich masala and layered with rice for a quick yet delicious meal.

2. Delhi Mutton Biryani Recipe

A festive and royal version. Mutton is pressure cooked for tenderness before layering. The depth of flavor makes it the star of family feasts.

3. Delhi Veg Biryani Recipe

For vegetarians, use carrots, beans, peas, and paneer. The masala base remains the same, and it turns into a wholesome meal.

4. Delhi Biryani Recipe Restaurant Style

Restaurants often add kewra water, saffron, fried cashews, and a touch of cream for richness. Try this at home for a festive version.

5. Simple Delhi Biryani Recipe

If you’re in a hurry, you can make a one-pot version by cooking rice and masala together in a pressure cooker. It’s quick and easy for beginners.

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Health Benefits of Delhi Biryani

While biryani is usually considered indulgent, the Delhi biryani healthy recipe can be nutritious when made at home.

• Chicken/mutton adds protein and iron.

• Spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon help in digestion.

• Mint and coriander add freshness and antioxidants.

• By controlling oil and ghee, it can be made lighter.

Tips for Beginners

If you’re trying the Delhi biryani recipe for beginners, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t overcook the rice – it should be slightly underdone before dum.

2. Use fresh curd for the masala to avoid curdling.

3. Always cook on low flame during dum to avoid burning.

4. Garnish with fried onions for authentic Delhi street-style flavor.

Serving Suggestions

The Delhi biryani recipe Indian style tastes best when served with:

• Onion raita

• Green chutney

• Papad

• Salad with cucumber and onions

• Boiled egg on top for garnish

Why Try Delhi Biryani at Home?

Delhi is a city of food lovers, and its biryani reflects the diversity of flavors – spicy yet balanced, rich yet comforting. Making the Delhi biryani recipe at home gives you a chance to recreate this classic in your kitchen.

Whether you cook the Delhi chicken biryani recipe for a weekend dinner, the Delhi mutton biryani recipe for a festive feast, or the Delhi veg biryani recipe for a simple family lunch, each version carries the warmth of North Indian cooking.

Interesting Facts

The authentic Delhi biryani recipe is a celebration of Mughal-inspired flavors and North Indian tradition. With its fragrant basmati rice, rich masala, and slow-cooked dum method, it stands proudly among India’s most loved biryanis.

So the next time you crave biryani, skip the usual and try the traditional Delhi biryani recipe – a dish that combines heritage, spice, and comfort in every bite.

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