Eid is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and feasting on delicious, traditional dishes. One such dish that perfectly embodies the festive spirit is Kathal Biryani, also known as Jackfruit Biryani.
This vegetarian biryani is rich in flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to your Eid menu. Cooking it in a pressure cooker not only saves time but also locks in the flavors, resulting in a scrumptious meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Kathal Biryani in a pressure cooker at home.
Ingredients
For the Biryani:
- 500 grams raw jackfruit (kathal), cut into medium-sized pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1/4 cup ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
For the Rice:
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fried onions
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Preparing the Rice:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and salt.
- Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it is 70% done. The grains should still have a bite to them.
- Drain the rice and set it aside.
Preparing the Jackfruit:
- In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the jackfruit pieces, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the jackfruit with the spices.
- Add the yogurt and cook for 5-7 minutes until the jackfruit is well coated with the masala.
- Sprinkle garam masala, chopped mint, and coriander leaves. Mix well.
- Add a cup of water, close the lid, and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Layering the Biryani:
- Open the pressure cooker and spread half of the partially cooked rice over the jackfruit mixture.
- Sprinkle some fried onions, chopped mint, and coriander leaves over the rice.
- Layer the remaining rice on top and garnish with more fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves.
- Drizzle a few teaspoons of ghee or oil on top.
Dum Cooking:
- Place the pressure cooker back on low heat. If your cooker is not non-stick, place a tawa (griddle) under the cooker to prevent the biryani from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving the Kathal Biryani:
- Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the biryani gently with a fork, ensuring the layers remain intact.
- Serve hot, garnished with fried onions, fresh coriander and mint leaves, and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Perfect Kathal Biryani
- Choosing the Right Jackfruit: Use young, tender jackfruit for this recipe. It should be firm but not too hard. Avoid ripe jackfruit as it will not have the right texture for biryani.
- Soaking the Rice: Soaking the basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps in achieving long, fluffy grains.
- Layering: Proper layering is crucial for a good biryani. Ensure the jackfruit mixture and rice are layered evenly to get a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Dum Cooking: Slow cooking on dum allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Be patient and let the biryani cook on low heat.
- Fried Onions: Homemade fried onions add a depth of flavor and crunch to the biryani. Prepare them in advance to save time.
Why Kathal Biryani for Eid?
Kathal Biryani is an excellent dish for Eid celebrations because it is unique, flavorful, and can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The meaty texture of jackfruit makes it a satisfying alternative to meat-based biryanis. It’s also a great way to introduce more plant-based dishes into your festive menu.
Nutritional Benefits
Jackfruit is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this biryani a healthy choice. It is low in calories and fat, yet provides a good amount of protein, making it ideal for those who want to indulge without compromising on health.
Conclusion
Eid is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious food. This Kathal Biryani recipe is perfect for adding a special touch to your festive feast. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and guests. Try making this delectable biryani in a pressure cooker at home and enjoy the compliments that come your way.
Happy Eid and happy cooking!