Jackfruit Biryani Recipe: A Vegetarian Twist on a Classic Dish

Jackfruit biryani is a delightful vegetarian alternative to traditional meat biryanis, using tender jackfruit pieces seasoned with aromatic spices and layered with fragrant basmati rice. This Jackfruit Biryani Recipe captures the essence of biryani while showcasing the unique texture and flavor of jackfruit. Here’s how to make a flavorful jackfruit biryani that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For marinating the jackfruit:

1. 500g raw jackfruit (tender), cleaned and cut into chunks
2. 1 cup thick yogurt
3. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
5. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
6. Salt to taste

For the rice:

1. 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
2. 4-5 cups water
3. 1 bay leaf
4. 4-5 green cardamom pods
5. 4-5 cloves
6. 1-inch cinnamon stick
7. Salt to taste

For the biryani masala:

1. 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
2. 2 onions, thinly sliced
3. 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
4. 2 green chilies, slit
5. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
6. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
7. 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
8. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
9. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
10. 1 teaspoon garam masala
11. Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
12. Fresh mint leaves, chopped
13. Saffron strands (optional), soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
14. Fried onions for garnish (optional)
15. Cashews and raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Jackfruit

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
2. Add the cleaned and chopped jackfruit pieces to the marinade. Mix well to coat the jackfruit evenly.
3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the soaked basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
3. Add the drained rice to the boiling water and cook until the rice is 70% done. The rice grains should be firm but almost cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Jackfruit

1. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Now add the marinated jackfruit along with the marinade. Mix well.
7. Cook the jackfruit mixture on medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until the jackfruit is tender and the masala is well-cooked.
8. Sprinkle red chili powder, biryani masala powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Adjust salt if needed.
9. Stir in chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves. Mix well.

Step 4: Layering the Biryani

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or biryani handi, spread a layer of the cooked jackfruit masala.
2. Top it with a layer of partially cooked rice.
3. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of rice on top.

Step 5: Dum Cooking

1. Drizzle the saffron-soaked milk over the layered rice. This gives a beautiful color and aroma to the biryani.
2. Sprinkle some fried onions, chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, cashews, and raisins over the rice.
3. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal with aluminum foil.
4. Place the pot on a tawa (griddle) or a heat diffuser and cook on low heat (dum) for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to finish cooking in the steam.

Step 6: Serving

1. Once done, gently fluff up the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers.
2. Serve hot jackfruit biryani with raita, pickle, or salad on the side.

Tips:

1. Use tender jackfruit for best results. Canned or pre-cooked jackfruit can also be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
3. You can also add fried paneer or tofu along with the jackfruit for added texture and protein.
4. Ensure the rice is not overcooked during the initial cooking stage since it will continue to cook during the dum process.

Jackfruit Biryani Recipe | Kathal Biryani recipe | Jackfruit Veg Biryani

This jackfruit biryani is a true celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for special occasions or weekend family meals. Enjoy this vegetarian delight with your loved ones!