Nagpur Biryani Recipe – Spicy & Flavorful Maharashtrian Delight

Nagpur Biryani, also known as Nagpuri Chicken Biryani, is a fiery and flavorful rice delicacy from the heart of Maharashtra. Known for its bold spice levels, rich color, and fragrant aroma, this biryani reflects the city’s love for strong flavors influenced by Vidarbha’s cuisine. Unlike the subtle Hyderabad or Lucknow styles, Nagpur’s biryani uses a special blend of local spices, giving it a distinct, tangy, and spicy profile.

🛒 Ingredients for Nagpur Chicken Biryani (Serves 6)

For Marination

• Chicken (bone-in) – 1 kg (or mutton for Nagpuri mutton biryani)

• Yogurt – 1 cup

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1½ tsp (adjust for spice level)

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

For Rice

• Basmati rice – 4 cups

• Water – as needed

• Salt – 1 tbsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Green cardamom – 3

• Cloves – 4

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch

• Star anise – 1

For Biryani Masala

• Oil – 4 tbsp

• Ghee – 3 tbsp

• Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 3 medium (finely chopped)

• Green chilies – 4 (slit)

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup (chopped)

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Nagpuri spice blend – 2 tbsp (made by dry roasting 4 dried red chilies, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp peppercorns, and 3 cloves, then grinding)

• Saffron strands – a pinch (soaked in ¼ cup warm milk)

• Rose water – 1 tsp (optional)

For Garnish

• Fried onions – ½ cup

• Cashews – ¼ cup (fried in ghee)

• Raisins – 2 tbsp (fried in ghee)

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and lemon juice.

2. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.

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

3. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Nagpuri Biryani Masala

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

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown; remove half for garnish.

3. Add tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until tomatoes soften.

4. Mix in mint and coriander leaves.

5. Add marinated chicken and cook until 80% done.

6. Stir in the freshly ground Nagpuri spice blend and garam masala.

Step 4 – Layering the Biryani

1. Keep half of the chicken masala in the pot.

2. Spread half the cooked rice over it.

3. Drizzle saffron milk, rose water, fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

4. Repeat layers with the remaining chicken masala and rice.

5. Top with more saffron milk and garnish.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Seal the pot with a tight lid or wheat dough.

2. Place on low heat for 20–25 minutes.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve Nagpuri Chicken Biryani hot with cucumber raita, onion salad, and roasted papad.

• Pair with spicy chicken curry or mirchi ka salan for a full Maharashtrian feast.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Nagpur Biryani

• For extra heat, add a few drops of Nagpuri thecha (green chili chutney) while layering.

• Use aged long-grain basmati rice for the best texture.

• Mutton version requires longer cooking before layering.

• The Nagpuri spice blend is key — roast until aromatic for a rich, smoky flavor.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Maharashtrian with Mughlai influence

• Place of Origin: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

• Cultural Significance:
  Nagpur, famously called the “Orange City,” has a food culture as vibrant as its citrus orchards. Nagpuri Biryani is a wedding and festival favorite, particularly during Eid, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali feasts. It’s characterized by a bold Vidarbha spice mix made with dry red chilies, peppercorns, and cloves, often paired with tangy tomato and yogurt-based gravy.

Interesting Facts :-
The Nagpur Biryani Recipe is a bold, aromatic, and spicy celebration of Vidarbha cuisine, perfect for those who love fiery flavors. Its mix of fragrant basmati rice, robust Nagpuri masala, and tender meat creates an unforgettable dish that stands out among India’s regional biryanis.