White Gravy Biryani Recipe

If you’re a biryani lover, then you’ve likely experienced the variety of ways this beloved dish is made. While the traditional biryani is often packed with rich, spiced gravies, there’s one unique twist that many food enthusiasts are falling in love with – White Gravy Biryani. Unlike the usual fiery red or yellow biryanis, white gravy biryani is a creamy, milder version, with a silky white sauce that adds depth of flavor without overwhelming the taste buds. Perfect for those who love biryani but prefer a more delicate, aromatic dish.

Ingredients:

For the White Gravy:

• 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 2 tablespoons cashew nuts (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon melon seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1-2 green cardamom pods
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 medium onion (finely sliced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For the Biryani:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500 grams chicken/mutton or vegetables (your choice)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh mint leaves (for layering)
• Water for cooking rice

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the White Gravy

1. Make the Cashew Paste: In a blender, add soaked cashews and melon seeds (if using) and grind into a smooth paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Spices: In a pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic: Add finely sliced onions and sauté them until golden brown. Then, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add Tomato and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
5. Add Cashew Paste and Curd: Add the prepared cashew paste, yogurt, and fresh cream to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes on low flame until the gravy thickens. Season with salt.
6. Simmer and Set Aside: Let the white gravy simmer for 10 minutes to meld all the flavors. Once done, remove from heat and keep aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Biryani Rice

1. Cook the Rice: Wash basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 20-30 minutes. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, and cumin seeds. Add the soaked rice and cook until it’s 70-80% done. Drain the rice and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meat or Vegetables

1. Marinate the Chicken/Mutton: In a bowl, mix your meat or vegetables with a pinch of salt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, and a little yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Marinated Meat: In a pan, heat some oil and cook the marinated chicken or mutton until tender. You can also add a little water if needed to make a light gravy, but don’t overcook it.
3. Layering the Biryani: In a large pot or pressure cooker, first layer a bit of the cooked white gravy at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the cooked meat or vegetables. Follow this with a layer of partially cooked rice. Sprinkle a little garam masala, mint leaves, and fried onions (optional). Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 4: Dum Cooking (Steaming)

1. Seal the Pot: Seal the pot tightly with a lid or dough to trap the steam. Place the pot on low heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse together. This process is called ‘dum’.

Step 5: Serve

Once the biryani is done, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the creamy white gravy and tender meat or vegetables.

Tips:

• Biryani Rice: Make sure the rice is cooked al dente (firm but cooked), as it will cook further during dum cooking.
• Creamy Gravy: For an extra creamy texture, you can add more cream or a dash of milk to the gravy.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with mixed vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas or even paneer for a vegetarian biryani.

Conclusion:

White Gravy Biryani is a fantastic alternative to the traditional spicy biryanis, offering a soft and indulgent flavor profile that will be loved by those who enjoy a more subtle dish. The creaminess of the gravy beautifully complements the aromatic rice and meat, making it a perfect dish for special occasions or a cozy family meal. Enjoy this delicious, creamy biryani with a side of raita or salad!