Ulavacharu Biryani – Traditional Andhra Style
Discover how to make Ulavacharu Biryani in 11 easy steps! This traditional Andhra rice dish features tender meat or vegetables, horse gram, and rich Indian spices. Perfect for festive meals and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup horse gram ulavalu ulavalu, soaked for 4 hours
- 2 cups chicken or mutton or vegetables for vegetarian version
- 2 onions chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 inches ginger grated
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
Instructions
- Soak and cook the horse gram until tender. Reserve the cooking water.
- Sauté onions in oil, add garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Add meat or vegetables and cook until browned.
- Mix in horse gram and reserved broth, simmer.
- Parboil the rice separately.
- Layer rice and curry mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with herbs, cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- Marinate meat or vegetables for deeper flavor.
- Add saffron-infused milk for color and aroma.
- Substitute horse gram with chana dal if unavailable.