Thalassery Biryani Recipe – Authentic Kerala Style Biryani

Thalassery Biryani, also known as Malabar Biryani, is a famous biryani from the coastal city of Thalassery in Kerala, India. This traditional Kerala biryani is known for its jeerakasala rice (Kaima rice), mild spices, rich aroma, and a perfect blend of sweetness and savoriness. It’s a highlight of Malabar cuisine and is often served during weddings, Eid celebrations, and festive occasions.

This recipe follows the authentic Thalassery Biryani preparation method with layered rice and chicken masala cooked together on dum for irresistible flavors.

🛒 Ingredients for Thalassery Chicken Biryani

(Serves 4–5)

For the Chicken Marinade

• Chicken (bone-in) – 1 kg

• 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 – as needed

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

1. Wash chicken pieces and pat them dry.

2. Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.

3. Coat chicken pieces with the marinade.

4. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

Step 2 – Cook the Jeerakasala Rice

1. Rinse rice 2–3 times and soak for 20 minutes.

2. In a large pot, bring water to boil with ghee, bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and salt.

3. Add soaked rice and cook until 80% done.

4. Drain and set aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Chicken Masala

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed handi.

2. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.

3. Add whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, mace, peppercorns) and sauté briefly.

4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

5. Add marinated chicken and cook until tender.

6. Add green chilies, coriander, and mint leaves.

Step 4 – Layer the Biryani

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

2. Sprinkle half of the fried onions, saffron milk, fried cashews, and raisins.

3. Add the remaining rice and toppings.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the handi with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Place it over a tawa and cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6 – Serve & Enjoy

• Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot with onion raita, pickle, and pappadam for a complete Kerala feast.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Best Accompaniments: Coconut chutney, pappadam, lemon pickle.

• Best Occasions: Weddings, Eid, Onam, family gatherings.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Thalassery Biryani

• Always use jeerakasala rice for authentic flavor.

• Cook rice only 80% to avoid mushiness.

• Use ghee for richness and the signature aroma.

• Adjust spices for a mildly spiced, aromatic taste—true to Kerala style.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Malabar Cuisine – Kerala, India

• City of Origin: Thalassery – a historic port city known for its spice trade and Arab-influenced cuisine.

• Cultural Significance: Thalassery Biryani is a must-have at weddings, Eid feasts, and family gatherings. Its unique flavor profile comes from mild spices, fried onions, and ghee-roasted cashews.

Interesting Facts :-
This Thalassery Chicken Biryani recipe brings the flavors of Kerala’s Malabar Coast right to your plate. With its fragrant rice, succulent chicken, and rich ghee aroma, it’s the perfect biryani for festive celebrations or family dinners.