Not going to lie, I often use store-bought biryani masala for convenience and even recommend it in my recipes. But every time I sprinkle a few spoonfuls of my homemade version, I can’t help but wonder why I don’t make it more often. Homemade spice blends are a true game changer! The freshness, aroma, and texture are simply unmatched. India is home to an incredible variety of biryanis, each with its own unique flavor, ingredients, and method of preparation. Though I enjoy all kinds of biryani but I am a bit partial towards more delicate and aromatic styles of biryani, particularly the Awadhi and Delhi versions. And those are the flavors that my biryani masala powder reflects. It has a beautiful balance of flavor and aroma that will make every bite of your biryani taste delicate and regal.
About My Recipe
I don’t grind red chilies or mix red chili powder into the biryani masala itself. Instead, I add the red chili masala separately while making the marinade or during the actual cooking of the biryani. There are two key reasons why I follow this method. First, if you grind whole red chilies along with fragrant spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and rose petals, the heat and sharpness of the chilies tend to dominate and mutes the delicate aroma of the biryani masala. By keeping the biryani masala focused on the more aromatic elements and adding the chili separately, you can maintain a perfect balance between fragrance and heat. Secondly, separating the red chili masala allows for greater control over the spice level. Sometimes, I want the biryani to have just a subtle kick, while other times I might be in the mood for a much bolder, fiery flavor. By adding the chili powder during the cooking process, I can adjust the heat depending on how I am feeling that day. Some recipes will ask you to substitue biryani masala with garam masala powder. Though many spices used to make these two blends overlap, the quantity of individual spices vary and hence the overall taste and intensity of the blend. Both these extremely fragrant indian spice blends have different flavor and strength. Biryani masala is more sharp & intense in taste but has a strong sweet aroma. Garam masala has lot of warmth and a woody aroma.
Ingredients
Shahi Jeera - Or caraway seeds. These are also called shah jeera. It looks similar to regular cumin seeds but its finer. The taste is milder as compared to regular cumin. In hindi, shahi means royal and it carries forward the mild delicate taste in biryanis. Rose Petals - Use food grade rose petals. You can leave them out if you dont prefer.
Instructions
How To Use Biryani Masala Powder
