Egg Biryani Recipe – Delicious and Protein-Rich Indian Biryani

Egg Biryani, also called Anda Biryani, is a flavorful combination of boiled eggs, fragrant basmati rice, and a rich biryani masala. Popular across India, from Hyderabad Egg Biryani to Kerala Egg Biryani, it’s a quick yet royal dish loved by vegetarians who eat eggs.

This one-pot delight is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even festive feasts. It delivers the aroma of traditional dum biryani while being simple enough for beginners.

🛒 Ingredients for Egg Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For the Rice

• Basmati rice – 3 cups (aged, long-grain)

• Water – 8 cups

• Salt – 2 tsp

• Bay leaf – 2

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cinnamon stick – 2 inch

• Cloves – 5

• Star anise – 1

For the Eggs

• Eggs – 6 (hard-boiled, peeled)

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

For the Marinade

• Yogurt – ½ cup (thick, fresh)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Red chili powder – 1½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

For the Masala Base

• Ghee – 3 tbsp

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (finely chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup

• Green chilies – 2 (slit)

• Biryani masala – 2 tsp

For Saffron Milk

• Warm milk – ¼ cup

• Saffron strands – 8–10

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Boil and Prepare the Eggs

1. Boil eggs for 10–12 minutes, cool, peel, and make small slits for the masala to seep in.

2. Rub eggs with turmeric and salt, lightly fry them in 1 tsp oil for 2 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.

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

3. Add rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottomed pot.

2. Fry onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.

3. Add tomatoes, cook until soft.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and biryani masala. Sauté until aromatic.

5. Mix in yogurt, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook until oil separates.

Step 4 – Add Eggs

1. Add fried eggs to the masala, stir gently to coat well.

2. Cook on low flame for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 5 – Layer the Biryani

1. Spread half the rice over the egg masala.

2. Sprinkle fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk.

3. Add the remaining rice and garnish again.

4. Drizzle 1 tbsp ghee on top.

Step 6 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover tightly with a lid or seal with wheat dough.

2. Cook on medium flame for 5 minutes, then low flame for 15 minutes.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7 – Serve

• Gently mix without breaking the eggs.

• Serve hot with onion raita, papad, or pickle.

🥗 Serving Variations

• Hyderabadi Egg Biryani: Use saffron and fried onions generously.

• Kerala Egg Biryani: Add coconut milk for creaminess.

• Spicy Andhra Egg Biryani: Use extra green chilies and red chili powder.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Egg Biryani

• Always use aged basmati rice for the best aroma.

• Frying eggs slightly before adding to biryani enhances flavor.

• For a healthier version, reduce ghee and replace with light vegetable oil.

• Freshly ground biryani masala gives better taste than store-bought.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Indian Mughlai with regional variations

• Place of Origin: Hyderabad & Tamil Nadu

• History & Background:
  Egg biryani evolved as a budget-friendly alternative to meat biryani while retaining its royal flavors. In Hyderabad, it’s made with aromatic spices and saffron, while South Indian egg biryani often includes coconut milk for a rich, creamy touch. Its popularity lies in the balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation.

Interesting Facts :-
This Egg Biryani Recipe is a perfect mix of royal biryani flavors and protein-rich eggs. Whether you make it Hyderabadi-style, Kerala-style, or Andhra-style, it’s an easy yet delicious recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.