Skip to content

Traditional baby potato biryani

Saffron rice baked over baby potatoes in a poppy-seed and aniseed masala

A traditional vegetarian biryani with whole baby potatoes cooked in a fragrant paste of onion, coriander seeds, poppy seeds, aniseed and warm spices, layered with saffron rice and crisp browned onions, then slowly baked. Serve hot with masala yogurt.
Total time
85 min
Difficulty
medium
Serves
10
One step at a time, big text, timers, read-aloud. Your screen stays on.

Ingredients

Serves10

For the rice

For the paste

For the potato gravy

For the topping

Method

0/8 done
  1. Step 1: Stir ½ tsp saffron powder into 2 tbsp milk and mix gently through the 6 oz basmati rice with ½ tsp salt.

  2. Step 2: Blend 3 medium onions, 3 tsp coriander seeds, 1 ½ tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp green chilli paste, 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp ground cloves, 8 curry leaves, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 2 tsp aniseed (fennel seeds), ¾ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 2 tbsp water and ½ tsp salt to a paste.

  3. Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp ghee or oil, add 4 green cardamoms and fry the paste for 4 minutes.

    4 min
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup plain yogurt and ½ tsp salt, then the 10 ½ oz baby potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes.

    5 min
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle half the 2 onions, sliced and fried brown in a greased oven dish and spread half the rice over them.

  6. Step 6: Spread the potato curry evenly on top and cover with the remaining rice.

  7. Step 7: Garnish with the rest of the browned onions and 1 cup potato chips (crisps), fried.

  8. Step 8: Cover with foil and bake on a low heat, 200°F, for 30 minutes. Serve hot with masala yogurt.

    30 min

Nutrition per serving

Calories
260 kcal
Protein
5 g
Carbs
30 g
Fat
13 g
Fibre
3 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does traditional baby potato biryani take?
About 85 minutes in total: 40 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
10 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It has no meat or fish.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
What can I use instead of basmati rice?
Any long-grain rice, same amount.
What can I use instead of milk?
Oat, soy or almond milk, same amount (use unsweetened for savoury dishes).

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to cook it.

Rate this recipe

Sign in to rate and review this recipe.

Potato chakri

Potato chakri are crisp, light spirals made with rice flour and boiled potato, flavoured with ginger, chilli, lemon, sesame and coriander. The potato makes them extra tender-crisp. They keep for about 3 weeks in an air-tight container, so make them ahead for Diwali or guests.

by KrazyBadal 1 views

Masala khakhra

Khakhra are thin chapaties roasted slowly on a griddle until they turn crisp, like a cracker. This masala version adds gram flour, fresh fenugreek, turmeric and chilli to the wheat dough. They are a light Gujarati breakfast or tea-time snack, and lovely with pickle, chutney or a smear of butter. You can also make them in a roti maker.

by KrazyBadal 1 views

Bean sprouts

Sprouting whole green grams makes them crunchier, quicker to cook and more nutritious. All you need is muslin, water and a warm spot, and they're ready in 3–4 days. Use them in salads, bhel, usal and stir-fries. Any other whole pulse sprouts the same way.

15 minBasicsVeganGluten freeIndian
by KrazyBadal 1 views