- August 12, 2025
Malabar Biryani Recipe – Kerala Style Thalassery Biryani
Malabar Biryani, also known as Thalassery Biryani, is a fragrant and mildly spiced biryani variety from the Malabar region of Kerala, India. Unlike other Indian biryanis, Malabar Biryani uses jeerakasala rice (Kaima rice) instead of long-grain basmati rice, giving it a unique texture and flavor. This biryani is known for its subtle sweetness, delicate aroma, and the perfect balance of spices, making it one of the most popular Kerala biryani recipes.
Traditionally prepared for weddings, Eid celebrations, and festive occasions, this biryani combines marinated chicken or mutton, slow-cooked rice, and layered dum cooking to create an unforgettable taste.
🛒 Ingredients for Malabar Chicken Biryani
(Serves 4–5 people)
For the Chicken Marinade
Chicken (bone-in pieces) – 1 kg
Thick yogurt – 1 cup
Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp
Red chili powder – 1½ tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Garam masala – 1 tsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Salt – to taste
For the Biryani Masala
Ghee – 4 tbsp
Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)
Tomatoes – 3 medium (chopped)
Green chilies – 4 (slit)
Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup (chopped)
Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup (chopped)
Whole spices:
Bay leaves – 2
Green cardamom – 4
Cloves – 4
Cinnamon stick – 1-inch
Mace (javitri) – 1 blade
Black peppercorns – 6–8
For the Rice
Jeerakasala (Kaima) rice – 3 cups
Water – as needed for boiling
Ghee – 2 tbsp
Bay leaves – 2
Green cardamom – 4
Cloves – 4
Salt – 1 tbsp
For Layering
Fried onions (birista) – 1 cup
Saffron strands – 10–12 (soaked in ¼ cup warm milk)
Fried cashews – ¼ cup
Fried raisins – ¼ cup
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken
Wash and pat dry chicken pieces.
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Coat chicken evenly with the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for better flavor.
Step 2 – Cook the Rice
Wash jeerakasala rice 2–3 times and soak for 20 minutes.
Boil water in a large pot with ghee, bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
Add soaked rice and cook until 80% done.
Drain and keep aside.
Step 3 – Prepare the Biryani Masala
Heat ghee in a large handi (deep pan).
Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.
Add whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, mace, peppercorns) and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
Add marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until tender and gravy thickens.
Stir in green chilies, coriander, and mint leaves.
Step 4 – Layer the Biryani
Spread half of the cooked rice over the chicken masala in the handi.
Sprinkle half of the fried onions, saffron milk, fried cashews, and raisins.
Add the remaining rice and repeat toppings.
Step 5 – Dum Cooking
Cover the handi with a tight lid.
Place on a tawa (griddle) and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.
Step 6 – Serve the Malabar Biryani
Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot with raita, pickle, and pappadam for a traditional Kerala experience.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments: Onion raita, coconut chutney, pappadam, pickle.
Occasions: Weddings, Eid celebrations, Onam, and festive gatherings.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 580 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Carbohydrates | 65 g |
Fat | 24 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Cholesterol | 92 mg |
Sodium | 860 mg |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
💡 Pro Tips for Authentic Malabar Biryani
Always use jeerakasala (Kaima) rice for the authentic Kerala flavor.
Fry cashews and raisins in ghee for the signature sweet aroma.
Keep the biryani mildly spiced; Malabar biryani is known for its subtle taste.
For Mutton Malabar Biryani, adjust cooking time for the meat to become tender.
📍 Location & Origin
Cuisine: Malabar Cuisine (Kerala, India)
City of Origin: Thalassery, Kerala – famous for its spice-rich dishes and coastal food culture.
Cultural Significance: Malabar Biryani has Arab, Mughlai, and local Kerala influences, making it distinct in taste and cooking technique. It’s a festive dish often served at weddings, Eid, and Onam celebrations.
Intersting facts :
This authentic Malabar Biryani recipe captures the coastal flavors of Kerala with its unique rice, aromatic spices, and rich ghee flavor. Perfect for festive occasions, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves traditional South Indian biryani.