Donne Biryani is a popular biryani variety, especially in the military hotels of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Unlike typical biryani, it’s served in a “donne” or areca palm leaf bowl, which adds an earthy aroma to the dish. The recipe involves a rich, herbaceous green masala paste made from mint, coriander, curry leaves, and green chilies, combined with aromatic spices and seeraga samba rice. The marinated chicken is cooked with this spice blend, creating a flavorful, spicy, and fragrant meal.
Why You’ll Love Donne Biryani
Donne Biryani offers a unique flavor that stands out from traditional biryanis. The green masala made from fresh herbs gives this dish a vibrant color and a depth of flavor that is unmatched. The seeraga samba rice, a short-grain variety, adds a subtle fragrance and is perfect for absorbing the flavors of the chicken and masala. Additionally, the cooking method ensures the chicken remains juicy while the rice is fluffy and flavorful.
Prep and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
Ingredients for Donne Biryani
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Bengaluru Military Hotel-style chicken biryani:
Full Ingredients List
For the Marinade:
- Chicken (bone-in) – 1 kg
- Curd (plain yogurt) – ¼ cup
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
For the Green Masala:
- Mint leaves – ¼ cup
- Coriander leaves – ¼ cup
- Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
- Green chilies – 6
- Ginger – 1 inch
- Garlic – 2 pods
- Kasuri methi – 1 teaspoon
- Water – ¼ cup
Other Ingredients:
- Seeraga samba rice – 2 cups (soaked for 30 minutes)
- Ghee – 3 tablespoons
- Oil – 3 tablespoons
- Whole spices (bay leaf, star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, cardamom) – for tempering
- Onion – ½ cup, sliced
- Biryani masala powder – 1 teaspoon
- Meat masala powder – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Water – 4 cups (hot)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Lime juice – from ½ lime
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40 grams |
| Fats | 12 grams |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
How to Make Donne Biryani
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the curd, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and keep the meat juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Masala Paste
In a blender, add mint, coriander, curry leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and kasuri methi. Add ¼ cup of water and grind to a smooth paste.
Step 3: Cook the Masala
Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the whole spices like bay leaf, fennel seeds, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté until aromatic. Then, add the sliced onions and cook until soft.
Next, add the green masala paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Add biryani masala, meat masala, black pepper, and coriander powder. Cook the mixture for another minute.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir well to coat the chicken with the masala. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is nearly done.
Step 5: Add Rice and Water
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 4 cups of hot water. Add the soaked seeraga samba rice, salt, and lime juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Final Cooking
Cover the pan with a tight lid, and if using an oven, bake at 200°C for 20 minutes. If you’re cooking on a stovetop, cook on low heat for 20 minutes, making sure the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Donne Biryani
- Seeraga Samba Rice: This rice is highly aromatic and perfect for biryani. Soaking the rice ensures even cooking and fluffiness.
- Marination Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Low and Slow Cooking: To prevent burning at the bottom, always cook the biryani on low heat and avoid stirring too much.
Variations of Donne Biryani
- Vegetarian Donne Biryani: Replace chicken with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Mutton Donne Biryani: Swap the chicken with mutton. Increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is tender.
- Spicier Version: Increase the number of green chilies in the masala paste for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Raita: Serve with a simple onion raita to cool down the spiciness of the biryani.
- Salad: A crisp cucumber-tomato salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the biryani.
- Papad: Add some crispy papads for a crunchy side dish that complements the softness of the biryani.
Conclusion
Donne Biryani is a delightful fusion of herbs, spices, and rice, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend family dinner or a special gathering, its aromatic spices and juicy chicken make it a crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe and bring the unique taste of Bengaluru’s military hotels to your own kitchen!
Enjoy the warmth and depth of flavors, and don’t forget to serve it in the traditional donne, for an authentic touch!
