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A unique, mild, and aromatic biryani from Hyderabad. It's known as the "white biryani" because it's made with green chilies and whole spices, skipping red chili and turmeric for a subtle, fragrant flavor profile. Perfect for special occasions.
For 4 servings
Preparation and Marination
Prepare Birista (Fried Onions)
Cook the Chicken
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A unique, mild, and aromatic biryani from Hyderabad. It's known as the "white biryani" because it's made with green chilies and whole spices, skipping red chili and turmeric for a subtle, fragrant flavor profile. Perfect for special occasions.
This hyderabadi recipe takes 95 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1193.23 calories per serving with 57.4g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Par-boil the Rice
Layer the Biryani
Dum Cooking
Serve
Substitute chicken with mutton (goat meat), but increase the marination time to at least 4 hours and the initial cooking time until the meat is tender.
Replace chicken with a mix of firm vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and beans. Par-boil the potatoes and carrots before adding them to the pot.
For a richer aroma, add a few drops of kewra water or rose water along with the saffron milk before the dum process.
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
The use of curd (yogurt) provides beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
Basmati rice provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, fueling your daily activities.
Spices like cardamom and saffron are not just for flavor; they have been traditionally used for their calming properties and to aid digestion.
It's called 'Sofiyani' (meaning sophisticated or pure) and 'White Biryani' because it omits red chili powder, turmeric, and tomatoes. Its flavor comes from green chilies, whole spices, and a creamy white base of yogurt and nuts, resulting in a pale, elegant appearance and a mild, aromatic taste.
While you can, the cashew and almond paste is a signature element that provides the creamy texture and rich, subtle flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can try using a paste of soaked poppy seeds (khus khus) or a bit of heavy cream, but the authentic taste will be altered.
A typical serving of approximately 450g contains around 650-750 calories. The exact count depends on the cut of chicken used (with or without skin/bone) and the amount of ghee and oil.
Sofiyani Biryani can be part of a balanced diet. It provides high-quality protein from chicken, probiotics from yogurt, and energy from rice. However, it is calorie-dense due to ghee, oil, and nuts. To make it healthier, use lean chicken, reduce the amount of ghee, and serve with a large side of fresh salad or raita.
Store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the biryani and microwave it, or gently heat it in a pan on the stovetop with a lid on to steam it through.