Indian cuisine is the potpourri of the various cultural influences. From the British to the Portuguese, and the Mughals, they have had a massive influence on the food culture. The hand-picked chefs at the Mughal darbars who gave us the gift of biryani, passed the recipe from one generation to another.

Over the years, the recipe may have evolved, but the true essence of biryani remains the same; it spells richness, comfort and wholesome food that leaves your tummy and soul satiated and happy. Although a quintessential Mughlai invention, every region had its unique twist, even during the Mughal reign.

 

For example, in the north, known as the Awadhi region, Biryani had a mild taste due to the low use of spices. However, as it travelled from the north further east towards Kolkata, a new and unique version of the Mughal biryani came into existence, which is now known as the ‘Kolkata Biryani.’

The story behind Kolkata Biryani and how it came from the Mughal kitchen to the city of joy.

One of the most popular stories is that when the last Nawab of Awadh, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was dethroned by the British in 1856, he fled with his chefs and reached Kolkata and eventually made it his home. During this time, the chefs of the nawab created an economical version of the biryani to cut down the expenses. Instead of meat, they added golden-brown potatoes and hard-boiled eggs to the biryani.

In another exciting story, legend has it that there was a shortage of potatoes when the Nawab arrived in Kolkata. So, the Nawab ordered the chefs to add potatoes to the biryani to give it a Nawabi touch and make it a more exotic dish.

If you have been pondering over Kolkata biryani and where does it come from, you know the story of its origin. It is essentially a sub-variant of the Awadhi or Lucknowi biryani. Unlike the Hyderabadi or the Kutchi biryani, which are known to feature high amounts of spices, the Kolkata uses spices sparsely, yet it scores high on flavour and taste. It is mild on your palate and retains the natural colour of basmati rice and the meat (chicken or goat).

Enjoy the alluring taste of Kolkata Biryani with Ekdum!

Whether you are a biryani connoisseur or not, you ought to savour the Kolkata Biryani. You can order Kolkata Chicken Briyani from Ekdum and you instantly fall in love with it, we bet. What sets apart this biryani from others is the way this type of biryani is prepared.

The meat and vegetables are marinated in a mixture of thick yoghurt and carefully portioned out whole roasted spices like cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, black peppercorn, bay leaves, mace, cardamom. The meat is then cooked with the highest-quality basmati rice, golden brown potatoes and boiled eggs in Dum style on a slow fire. The cooking vessel is sealed to lock the aroma and allow the rice and the meat to absorb the flavours. The result is an aromatic mixture of meat and rice that would make your mouth water even before taking the first bite.

Whether you like the addition of potatoes and eggs or not, it undeniably adds another dimension to the flavour of the rice and the meat. The addition of a few big dollops of ghee and kewra water to the rice enhances the flavour and aroma.

Whether you want to beat the Monday blues, get through the hectic week, or chill with your friends on the weekend, you can order a Kolkata Biryani from Ekdum and make your ordinary day extra special.