Tahiri Biryani
Tahiri Biryani
Tahiri Biryani, sometimes spelled "Tehari," is a beloved vegetarian rice dish popular in North India, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan. It offers a flavorful and aromatic alternative to traditional meat biryanis by focusing on vegetables, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked basmati rice. Historically, Tahiri was a humble meal enjoyed by vegetarians or those abstaining from meat during religious occasions, but over time it has become a staple in many vegetarian food recipes, gaining widespread popularity for its delicious taste and simplicity.
.webp)
Tahiri Biryani (Vegetarian) Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
For
the rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
(soaked for 30 minutes)
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 green cardamoms
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For
the vegetable masala:
- 3 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, thinly
sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic
paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
(optional)
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- ½ cup green peas
(fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup cauliflower
florets (optional)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander
powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili
powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 medium tomato,
chopped
- ½ cup yogurt
(optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh
coriander leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh
mint leaves
- A few strands of
saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
Instructions:
1.
Cook the rice:
- In a large pot, boil
water with salt and whole spices.
- Add soaked rice and
cook until about 70% done.
- Drain and set aside.
2.
Prepare the vegetable masala:
- Heat oil or ghee in a
heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add cumin seeds and
let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and
sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic
paste and green chilies.
- Add potatoes,
carrots, peas, and cauliflower. Cook for 4–5 minutes.
- Add turmeric,
coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and chopped
tomato.
- Cover and cook until
vegetables are tender.
- Stir in yogurt,
coriander, and mint leaves.
3.
Layer and cook:
- Spread half the
cooked rice over the vegetable masala.
- Add the remaining
rice and drizzle saffron milk (if using).
- Cover with a
tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat (dum) for 15 minutes.
4.
Serve:
- Gently fluff the
biryani and serve hot with raita, salad, or pickle.
FAQs – Tahiri Biryani
Q:
Is Tahiri the same as Tehari?
A: Yes, Tahiri and Tehari are different spellings for the same dish—a
vegetarian biryani variant.
Q:
Can I add paneer or tofu?
A: Absolutely! Cubed paneer or tofu can be added for extra protein.
Q:
Is Tahiri spicy?
A: It’s mildly spiced but can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing chili
powder and green chilies.
Q:
Can I skip yogurt?
A: Yes, yogurt is optional and adds creaminess and slight tang but can be
omitted.
Q:
Is saffron necessary?
A: No, saffron is optional but adds a lovely aroma and color.
Comments
Post a Comment