Everything About Ambur Biryani: History, Recipe, and More

Summary

Discover everything about Ambur Biryani, including the history and the secret of making the most authentic Ambur Biryani! Keep reading this to know about how you can save time by making this recipe at home in just 20 minutes.

Introduction

We are in a time where we now get biryani anywhere and anytime. But did you know that people in the early 1900s enjoyed Ambur biryani at 7 am from their very own place of origin, Khurshid Hotel? Yes! The restaurant opens at 7 am itself for people to start their day with a feast. 

This is equivalent to us going for midnight biryani. Interesting right? Continue reading and get to know more about this amazing dish.

Everything About Ambur Biryani: History, Recipe, and More

Did you know that biryani is a dish that took its place in India with the Persian and Mughal influence? We can find many different types of biryani across India that are influenced by regional differences and unique culinary traditions. 

Among those, one of the most famous biryanis in India - The Ambur Biryani? It is said that it was introduced by the Arcot Nawabs, who ruled the region. 

Let us now time-travel together to trace back history and find out how Ambur Biryani actually came into existence!

History

Do drop off your confusion, as both are true. Let's travel through the roads of Bangalore and Chennai to know how. To know the history of Ambur biryani, we have to first dig into the history of the Arcot region. 

So, is Arcot Biryani and Ambur Biryani the same?

Another yet famous biryani is the Arcot biryani, which is the OG version of the biryani by Nawabs of Arcot. And as mentioned earlier, Ambur biryani has got the influence of the Arcot Nawabs. But how? It's all because of this one man - "Hasin Baig", a cook in the royal kitchens of Arcot Nawabs.

He fine-tuned the biryani recipe and made it so popular that he opened a shop in his hometown of Ambur. Thanks to him for curating this best recipe and passing down this secret through generations. 

His son, Khurshid Baig, opened a restaurant called Khurshid Hotel in 1932, which became a local favourite. Continuing the family tradition, Khurshid's son-in-law Nazeer Ahmed started Rahmaniya Biryani in 1971. Today, Nazeer's son, Muneer Ahmed, runs Ambur Star Biryani, which has grown in India and is expanding worldwide. 

Is authenticity still followed?

Over time, its irresistible aroma spread far and wide, becoming the region's signature dish. Today, we search for the equivalent in many places, and we get Ambur biryani everywhere, making our quest easier. However, only a few places meet our expectations and satisfy our craving for authentic Ambur Biryani. 

If you can’t find authentic taste in the restaurants near you, you don't have to take a trip to Ambur. To fill that gap between you and an irresistible plate of authentic Ambur Biryani, Cookd presents Ambur Biryani Paste. With this, you don't have to be searching for the OG Ambur Biryani. You can make it on your own in just 20 mins. Amazing right? Order now and enjoy this delicacy!

Recipe

If you love to cook and are a fan of Ambur Biryani, here is the recipe for you to make this mouth-watering dish in just 20 minutes:

Let’s start the process: 

• Wash the rice thoroughly, immerse it in water, and let it soak for 20 minutes.
• To prepare the biryani, begin by adding the biryani paste and mutton curry cut into a pressure cooker and mix them well. 
• Pour 1 cup of water into the mixture and stir it gently until well combined. Allow the water to begin heating up. Seal the pressure cooker tightly and cook the mutton under pressure for 7 whistles. 
• Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the steam to release gradually. Open the pressure cooker and check if the mutton is fully cooked. If it isn't, seal the cooker again and cook it for an additional 2 whistles if needed. Once again, allow the steam to release naturally.
• Add the soaked and strained rice, and then add ½ Cup (125ml) of water.
• Cover the cooker and pressure cook it for two whistles on a medium flame. After the whistles, turn off the flame and allow the steam to reduce gradually for about 10 minutes. 
• Then open the cooker and add the seasoning oil to the rice. Use a fork to fluff the rice. 
• Finally, serve the rice while it's hot, alongside a refreshing raita. 

Spice-level: Speaking of chilli paste, you don't have to worry about the spice tolerance level, as this is of medium spiciness.

What makes it different: If you have noticed, this amazing dish is quite different from other biryanis because it is cooked using seeraga samba rice instead of basmati rice. Seeraga samba rice is a short-grain rice that gives the biryani a unique texture and taste, complementing the passed-down recipe.

Pair it up with: The best way to serve it is with three sides: raita, dalcha, and boiled egg.

Conclusion 

Ambur Biryani is not just a dish; it's a journey through history and flavours. From its origins in the royal kitchens of Arcot Nawabs to the restaurant in Ambur to the most popular restaurants, this biryani has become a legendary culinary masterpiece. 

You can now make this culinary masterpiece at home without compromising the quality or taste. With Cookd's Ambur Biryani Paste, recreate the magic of Ambur Biryani in your kitchen in just 20 minutes.

FAQs Related to Ambur Biryani

What is Ambur Biryani?
Ambur Biryani is a popular biryani variant that originated in Ambur, a town in the Arcot region of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique taste and is made with seeraga samba rice, which gives it a distinct flavour and texture.

How did Ambur Biryani come into existence?
Ambur Biryani is said to have been introduced by the Arcot Nawabs. Hasin Baig, a cook in the royal kitchens of the Arcot Nawabs, fine-tuned the biryani recipe, which was passed down through generations.

Is Ambur Biryani spicy?
Ambur Biryani has a medium level of spiciness. The dish incorporates a chilli paste, but it is not overly spicy. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

Can vegetarians enjoy Ambur Biryani?
While the traditional Ambur Biryani recipe includes meat, vegetarian versions are also available. Instead of meat, you can use vegetables or paneer as a substitute.

What are the recommended side dishes to serve with Ambur Biryani?
Traditionally, Ambur Biryani is served with raita, dalcha, and boiled eggs. These accompaniments complement the flavours of the biryani.