Thalassery Biryani Recipe & Thalassery Tourism

Thalassery Biryani Recipe

 Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 15 mins

 Recipe type: Main

Cuisine: Indian

Serves: 5 People

Ingredients

·         Onions, sliced evenly- thin and long- 7

·         Oil- enough to fry onions (for more flavor, use half oil and half ghee)

For making Garam Masala

·         Cardamom whole- 4

·         Cloves whole- 3

·         Cinnamon whole- 3 inch slice

·         Ground Nutmeg- ¼ tsp

·         Fennel powder- 2 tsp

·         Cumin powder- ¼ tsp

To grind

·         Ginger, chopped- 3 inch

·         Garlic, chopped- 4 large cloves

·         Green chilies- 6 to 8 (based on your spice level)

Making Chicken Masala

·         Tomatoes, chopped- 7

·         Chicken, bone-in- 10 pieces

·         Mint leaves, chopped- 10 leaves

·         Cilantro, chopped- ¼ cup

·         Lemon juice- 2 tbsp

·         Salt- to taste

For cooking Rice

·         Kaima Rice or Jeerakasala rice- 2½ cups ( or use Basmati rice)

·         Whole cardamom- 2

·         Whole cloves- 2

·         Whole cinnamon- 2 inch slice

·         Bay leaves- 3

·         Whole black peppercorns- 1 tsp

·         Ghee- 2 tbsp

·         Salt- a few pinches

·         Water- 3 cups (to cook in rice cooker)

Other ingredients

·         Cashew nuts, roasted- ½ cup

·         Cilantro, chopped- 2 handfuls

·         Fresh Mint leaves, chopped- 5 leaves

·         Saffron- 2 pinches soaked in ¼ cup milk

Instructions

1.      Slice the onions evenly to thin long slices, or use a food processor and use the slicer blade to slice onions.

2.    Place a frying pan over medium heat, add oil or use half oil and half ghee and fry the onions in 5 batches till they turn golden brown in color. Transfer the fried onions to a kitchen paper towel and let it absorb the excess oil.

3.    Keep aside the fried onions.

4.    In a blender, blend the ingredients mentioned above for making the garam masala and keep aside.

5.     In a blender or food processor, grind the ginger, garlic and green chilies, keep aside.

Cooking the Rice

1.      For making this biryani, Kaima rice or jeerakasala rice is used. If not use Basmati rice.

2.    I cooked the rice in a rice cooker.

3.    Add the washed rice along with the other ingredients mentioned above for cooking rice. While cooking in rice cooker, you don't need to add too much water. For 2½ cups rice, 3 to 3½ cups water will be enough. Cook the rice and Keep aside.

Making the Chicken Masala

1.      Place a large pan over medium heat, add the chopped tomatoes, let cook and turn mushy.

2.    Add the ground ginger, garlic and green chilies, combine well and cook for a few minutes till the raw smell goes away.

3.    Add the mint leaves, combine well.

4.    Add chicken pieces, season with salt and cook along with ¼ cup water, cook covered till the chicken has cooked well

5.      Add ¾ th of the fried onions to the cooked chicken (keep aside the remaining fried onions- it will be used for topping the biryani).

6.    Combine well and cook covered for 5 minutes so that the flavor of fried onions gets into the cooked chicken.

7.    Add the prepared garam masala, combine well and cook for a couple of minutes.

8.    Add chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Combine well.

9.     If the mixture gets too dry, add a few tablespoons of water and cook for a minute.

10.    Make sure the chicken masala is not watery. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Layering the rice and putting the biryani in Dum

1.      In a bowl, soak the saffron in ¼ cup milk and keep aside for 5 minutes.

2.    Evenly spread the chicken masala as the bottom layer of the pan.

3.    Spread the cooked rice over the chicken masala.

4.    Drizzle the saffron milk over the rice.

5.     Spread the remaining fried onions, chopped mint, chopped cilantro and cashew nuts over the rice.

6.    Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place a lid or round pizza pan over the pan.

7.     Place the pan over very low heat and dum cook (dum means to breathe in) for 10 minutes.

8.    You could also dum cook in an oven- preheat the oven to the lowest oven temperature, layer the chicken masala and rice and other ingredients in a deep dish, cover with aluminum foil and place it on the lower rack and cook for 10 minutes.

9.    After 10 minutes of dum cooking, remove the pan from the heat or oven.

10.         Let cool down for a few minutes.

11.  Serve the biryani along with raita, pickle or pappad.

12.Remember, biryani tastes better the next day. You could cook this the previous night and keep in the refrigerator. Microwave or steam cook before serving.

Thalassery Tourism At A Glance

Fondly known as Tellichery, Thalassery is a coastal town of Kerala nestled at the shore of Arabian Sea and immersed in the vibrant culture. Steeped in rich history and heritage, this town was one of the earliest British settlements in the state.

Kumaon in Uttarakhand comprises various towns, including hill-stations and religious spots. This place owns several credits in its basket when it comes to panoramic views, reflection of its glorious past and nature's beauty. It was also right in this beautiful town that the British first introduced cricket in early 1790s and till date it stays in the heart of the locals. Apart from being a home to many famous circus owners and artists including Gemini and Bharath, this fascinating town is also renowned for its bakeries. One can witness several bakeries in the region exhibiting the sweet tooth of the inhabitants. Besides all this, Thalassery also showcases the relics of the past left behind with all grace and poise. The place is a paradise for history buffs and nature lovers. Make sure you make the most of the trip which will leave no leaf unturned to enchant you.

When it comes to food, the town of Thalassery is renowned for its cuisine. Try out biryani, which is known for its distinct taste and flavor. One can clearly see the Arabian influence in Thalassery delicacies. Also make sure you do try out different types of cakes in town for which is famous for.

Places to Stay in Thalassery

Thalassery houses few luxury hotels which offer some of the best facilities and service. The city also owns several mid range and budget hotels offering a comfortable stay. Malabar Avenue and Ayisha Manzil are two of the deluxe hotels located in the area.

Commuting Within Thalassery

Thalassery town offers its visitors several modes of transportation. Beginning with buses, they are a cheapest mode while auto-rickshaws are also quite convenient. However, it you want to explore the city to its best taxi is the best of all the options. One can also hire a private car for self drive.

One Day Itinerary

Enriched in glorious past, Thalassery is a place which can be quite adventurous for one day. If you are visiting the town, there are place that are not to be missed. Beginning your day early morning is always a good idea for one day itinerary. Make sure you do explore some of the major attractions that include Thalassery Fort, Thalassery Pier, Muzhappilangad Beach, Oveburryâ??s Folly, Gundert Bungalow and Dharmado Island. Also enjoy the delicious food serves I the town especially the famous biryani. Palm grooves swaying along the shore, tranquil chattering of waves and distinct romanticism in the air, Thalassery serves as the perfect destination for backpackers and honeymooners.