And for a Friday …. the week of World Biriyani Day … my favourite meal …..some thoughts …. some musings ….
First a disclaimer … I am not a Foodie … not one of those who can reel off the best global dishes .. recipes … or famous eateries …. I am more the “Eat to Live” ….than…..“ Live to Eat &savour food” types ……. but I love Biriyani & must admit …….have tried every type of Biriyani across India ……. & my most favourite is the Dum Pukhth Mutton Biryani served at ITC Maurya -Delhi ….. no matter what time I arrived in Delhi staying at ITC -One … pre-ordering Dum Pukht Mutton Biriyani was a MUST ….. On World Biriyani day the convention is ….. you send a messsge wishing a friend …… He/She is obligated to serve you Biriyani …… !!!!! ……Biryani may sound very simple ….. but it involves .. Science , Art , Culture , Geography , & most importantly …love & passion of the Cook …..In a typical Biriyani ….every grain of Rice tells a story, every bite creates a Memory …. The King of all Meals is Biryani…..
Biriyani varies dramatically by regions … local spices ….rice varieties …. cooking methods …….Lucknowi Avadh Mutton Biryani is Dum Pukht ( very slow overnight cooked ) much milder … aromatic ….. less spicier than the Southern cousins …. ..Mutton is simmered in a rich broth .. slowly layered with Basmathi Rice & infused with many many of the Cooks favourite & exclusive inputs……. The final product … worth going miles to savour……. The Thalassery Malabar Mutton Biriyani has a heavy dose of Malabar Mappalai influence …. It uses small thin, highly aromatic short grain rice called Kaima or Jeerakasaka instead of Basmathi … Masala could be thicker & served with simmered dry fruits & topped with Ghee & cashew nuts ……then ofcourse is the Hyderabadi Biriyani …. Particularly famous is the Paradise Mutton or Chicken Biriyani ….. most travelers to Hyderabad carry back Paradise Biriyani on their flights to share with loved ones at home ……,the list is endless … Kolkatta Biriyani with tangy Potatoes laden rice … Tamil Nadu uses short grain Samba Rice … local varieties include pepper lazed Dindigal Biriyani ….mild spiced Ambur Biriyani ….earthy Chettinad Biriyani …. .. & many many more varieties across each state & region of India ..……
Of all the World days …. I prefer the World Biriyani day ….. nothing like the King of all Meals …. Let’s enjoy our preferred Biriyani …..the Tasty way …. the family way …. the SEEGOS way.