Kalyani Biryani Recipe – The Nawabi Street Biryani of Hyderabad

Kalyani Biryani is a flavorful yet budget-friendly biryani variant from Hyderabad, Telangana. Known as the “Poor Man’s Hyderabadi Biryani”, it uses beef, mutton, or chicken along with fragrant spices and short-grain rice. Unlike the rich Hyderabadi Dum Biryani made with basmati rice and expensive saffron, Kalyani Biryani has a simpler spice mix and a more rustic taste, making it a popular street food among locals.

It’s believed to have originated from the kitchens of the Kalyani Nawabs of Bidar, who settled in Hyderabad. Over time, it became a Hyderabad street biryani loved by all.

🛒 Ingredients for Authentic Kalyani Mutton Biryani (Serves 5–6)

For the Mutton Marinade

• Mutton (bone-in) – 1 kg (or beef/chicken as per preference)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 3 tbsp

• Red chili powder – 2 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp

• Yogurt – 1 cup

For the Masala Base

• Oil – 6 tbsp (or ghee for richer taste)

• Onions – 4 large (thinly sliced)

• Green chilies – 6–7 (slit)

• Tomatoes – 3 medium (chopped)

• Fresh coriander leaves – 1 cup (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves – 1 cup (chopped)

Whole Spices

• Bay leaves – 2

• Cloves – 6

• Cardamom – 4 pods

• Cinnamon – 2-inch stick

• Star anise – 1

• Fennel seeds – 1 tsp

• Black peppercorns – 10

For the Rice

• Short-grain sona masoori rice – 4 cups

• Water – as required

• Salt – 1 tbsp

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Meat

1. In a large bowl, mix mutton with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt.

2. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Step 2 – Prepare the Rice

1. Wash the sona masoori rice 2–3 times and soak for 30 minutes.

2. Boil water with salt and cook rice until 70% done.

3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the Masala

1. Heat oil in a large biryani handi.

2. Add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, and peppercorns.

3. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.

5. Mix in green chilies and chopped tomatoes; cook until tomatoes soften.

6. Add the marinated mutton and cook on medium heat until the meat is tender and oil begins to separate. (For beef, cook longer; for chicken, reduce cooking time.)

Step 4 – Layer the Biryani

1. Spread half of the rice over the cooked mutton masala.

2. Sprinkle mint and coriander leaves.

3. Add the remaining rice and top with the rest of the herbs.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the handi with a tight lid or seal with dough.

2. Cook on very low heat for 25–30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Switch off the flame and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve Kalyani Biryani with onion raita, lemon wedges, and green salad.

• Pair with mirchi ka salan for an authentic Hyderabad street-style experience.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for the Perfect Kalyani Biryani

• Rice Choice: Use short-grain rice like sona masoori for authentic flavor.

• Marination: Longer marination makes the meat tender and flavorful.

• Spice Level: Kalyani Biryani is usually spicy – adjust red chili powder accordingly.

• Meat Option: Traditionally made with beef, but mutton or chicken versions are also popular.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Telangana Cuisine – South India

• Place of Origin: Bidar (Karnataka) → Popularized in Hyderabad (Telangana)

• Cultural Significance:
  Kalyani Biryani has its roots in the Nawabi kitchens of Bidar. When the Nawabs moved to Hyderabad, they brought along their cooks who adapted the royal biryani for the common man. This biryani is often served at street stalls, small eateries, and local weddings.

Interesting Facts :-
This Authentic Kalyani Biryani Recipe is a humble yet delicious street food gem from Hyderabad. The simple spices, tender meat, and short-grain rice make it unique from other biryanis. Whether you enjoy Kalyani Mutton Biryani, Kalyani Chicken Biryani, or the traditional beef version, this biryani is all about flavor without extravagance.