- August 12, 2025
Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani Recipe – The Nawabi Dum Biryani
When we talk about the royal kitchens of India, the Lucknowi Biryani Recipe, also known as the Awadhi Biryani Recipe, stands tall as one of the most elegant and flavorful dishes ever created. Unlike other biryanis that rely on bold spices and fiery flavors, the authentic Lucknowi Biryani is about subtlety, refinement, and balance. Originating in the royal courts of Awadh, this biryani is cooked in the dum style, layering fragrant rice with tender meat and delicate Awadhi biryani spices.
If you’ve been wondering how to make Lucknowi biryani at home, this complete guide will walk you through its fascinating history, Lucknowi biryani ingredients, and step by step preparation method.
The Origin of Awadhi Biryani
The Awadhi biryani origin dates back to the 18th century in Lucknow, the capital of the Awadh region in Uttar Pradesh. It was developed under the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, who was known for his lavish lifestyle and love for food. Unlike the fiery Hyderabadi biryani, the traditional Awadhi biryani recipe focuses on slow-cooking techniques and gentle use of spices to enhance the natural flavors of meat and rice.
This Nawabi dish soon became a symbol of royal feasts, carrying the refinement of Mughlai cuisine and the richness of Indian flavors.
Key Features of Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani
Fragrant long-grain basmati rice.
Meat marinated in yogurt and spices.
Mild yet aromatic flavors.
Cooked in the dum biryani cooking method.
Layers of rice, saffron milk, fried onions, and mint.
Lucknowi Biryani Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for an authentic Lucknowi biryani:
For the Rice
2½ cups basmati rice (Lucknowi biryani rice)
5–6 cups water
2 bay leaves
4 green cardamoms
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt
For the Meat Marinade
500 g chicken or mutton (for Lucknowi chicken biryani recipe or Lucknowi mutton biryani recipe)
1 cup thick yogurt
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2–3 green chilies, slit
1 tsp turmeric powder
1½ tsp red chili powder
1½ tsp coriander powder
½ tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For the Masala
3 large onions, thinly sliced (half for frying)
3 tbsp ghee or oil
Fresh coriander and mint leaves
A few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk (for Awadhi dum biryani recipe)
Fried cashews and raisins (optional)
How to Make Lucknowi Biryani – Step by Step
Step 1: Wash and Soak Rice
Rinse basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes. Boil water with whole spices (cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves) and salt. Cook until the rice is 70% done, then drain. This ensures fluffy grains for the Lucknowi biryani cooking method.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
Mix yogurt with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and green chilies. Add the chicken or mutton and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for mutton). This step defines the traditional Awadhi biryani recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Onions
In a pan, heat ghee and fry half of the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove and keep aside for garnishing. These crispy onions add sweetness to the Lucknowi biryani taste.
Step 4: Cook the Meat
In the same pan, sauté the remaining onions until soft. Add marinated meat and cook on low heat until tender (chicken takes less time; mutton requires slow cooking). This forms the rich Lucknowi biryani masala.
Step 5: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy-bottomed pot:
Add a layer of cooked meat masala.
Add a layer of rice.
Sprinkle fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron milk, and dry fruits.
Repeat layers until everything is used, finishing with rice on top.
Step 6: Dum Cooking Method
Seal the pot with dough or a tight lid. Place on very low heat for 20–25 minutes. This Awadhi dum biryani recipe method ensures that the rice absorbs the flavors of the meat and spices.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the biryani to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Gently fluff with a fork, making sure not to break the rice. Serve hot with raita and salad.
Lucknowi Biryani Preparation Tips
Use high-quality long-grain basmati rice.
Marinate mutton overnight for the best results.
Fry onions on low heat for deep caramelization.
Use saffron milk for an authentic royal touch.
Dum cooking is essential for the authentic Lucknowi biryani flavor.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Variations of Awadhi Biryani
Lucknowi Chicken Biryani Recipe – Faster to cook, lighter in taste.
Lucknowi Mutton Biryani Recipe – Rich, slow-cooked, and deeply aromatic.
Vegetarian Awadhi Biryani – Uses paneer, vegetables, and light masala.
Why Lucknowi Biryani is Special
The Lucknowi biryani special lies in its refinement. Unlike other biryanis, it is not about heat or overpowering spice. Instead, the Awadhi biryani spices are carefully measured, giving it a delicate balance that allows each ingredient to shine.
The result is a biryani that feels regal, luxurious, and soulful, a true reflection of Lucknow’s Nawabi heritage.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with cucumber raita or boondi raita.
Onion salad and papad complement the dish.
A side of mint chutney adds freshness.
FAQs about Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani
Q1: Is Lucknowi Biryani very spicy?
No, the authentic Lucknowi biryani is mildly spiced, focusing on aroma and flavor.
Q2: Which is better, chicken or mutton in Awadhi Biryani?
Both are delicious. Lucknowi chicken biryani recipe is quicker, while Lucknowi mutton biryani recipe is richer.
Q3: Can I make Awadhi Biryani without dum?
Dum is traditional, but you can still layer and cook it without sealing. However, the Awadhi dum biryani recipe is the most authentic.
Q4: How is Lucknowi Biryani different from Hyderabadi Biryani?
Hyderabadi is spicier and more robust, while traditional Awadhi biryani recipe is subtle and refined.
Q5: Can I make Lucknowi Biryani easily at home?
Yes! Try the easy Lucknowi biryani recipe by cooking the meat masala in a pressure cooker and then layering with rice.
Final Thoughts
The Lucknowi Biryani Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural treasure. Rooted in the Awadhi biryani origin, it showcases the elegance of Nawabi cuisine. Whether you prepare the Lucknowi chicken biryani recipe for a weekday feast or indulge in the Lucknowi mutton biryani recipe for a grand occasion, this dish will never fail to impress.
Now that you know how to cook Awadhi biryani step by step, try it at home and experience the subtle yet rich flavors of this royal delicacy. With the right Lucknowi biryani preparation and the dum cooking method, you’ll bring the Nawabi taste straight to your dining table.
Taste the tradition, savor the refinement, and celebrate the royal legacy of the traditional Awadhi biryani recipe – a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to reign as one of India’s most cherished biryanis.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Rose Thandai Recipe,Muskmelon Juice Recipe,Chikoo Milkshake Recipe,Pineapple Punch RecipeChocolate Milk Masala Recipe
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Mint Rice Recipe(Pudina Rice),Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Mango Kalakand RecipeRava Kesari Recipe | South Indian Sooji Halwa |Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Follow us on :
