Easy Quail Biryani Recipe for Beginners
Quail Biryani is a delicious dish that combines soft quail meat with aromatic spices in a symphony of flavors. This biryani is ideal for special events or luxurious feasts, highlighting the richness of Indian food.
The quail is marinated in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like as turmeric, chili, and garam masala before being cooked till soft, infusing the flesh with rich, strong flavors.
The aromatic basmati rice, cooked with entire spices like bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon, is served with quail and a spicy masala of caramelized onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like coriander and mint.
The meal is boosted by the addition of saffron-infused milk, which has a golden hue and a delicious aroma. The layers of rice and quail masala combine perfectly, resulting in a lovely blend of textures and flavors.
Quail Biryani pairs well with raita or a simple salad, resulting in a complete and fulfilling dinner. This biryani is a must-try for foodies looking for a delicious, one-of-a-kind twist on the traditional biryani.
Ingredients:How to Make Quail Biryani at Home
For the Quail Marinade:
- Quails: 4, cleaned and halved (if preferred)
- Yogurt: 1 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: ½ tsp
- Red chilli powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala powder: 1 tsp
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
For the Biryani:
- Basmati rice: 2 cups (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- Ghee: 3 tbsp
- Cooking oil: 3 tbsp
- Onion: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Green chillies: 3-4, slit
- Fresh coriander leaves: ½ cup, chopped
- Fresh mint leaves: ½ cup, chopped
- Whole spices:
- Bay leaves: 2
- Green cardamom: 4
- Cloves: 4
- Cinnamon stick: 1 inch
- Star anise: 1
- Biryani masala: 1 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
- Saffron strands: a pinch (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
- Salt: to taste
For Cooking Rice:
- Water: 6 cups
- Salt: 1½ tsp
- Whole spices: (1 bay leaf, 3 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick)
Instructions:How to Make Quail Biryani at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Quail
1. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the quails and coat them thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (overnight is better for deeper flavour).
Step 2: Cook the Rice
1. In a large pot, boil 6 cups of water with salt and whole spices.
2. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done (grains should still be firm).
3. Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Quail and Masala
1. Heat oil and ghee in a large pan.
2. Fry the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half and set aside for garnishing.
3. Add tomatoes, green chillies, coriander, and mint leaves to the pan. Cook until soft and fragrant.
4. Add the marinated quail and cook on medium heat until the quail is tender and the masala thickens.
5. Stir in biryani masala and adjust salt if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Biryani
1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half of the rice.
2. Add the cooked quail and masala as the second layer.
3. Cover with the remaining rice.
4. Drizzle the saffron milk and fried onions over the top.
Step 5: Dum Cooking
1. Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal it with dough.
2. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
Serving:How to Make Quail Biryani at Home
Gently mix the layers before serving to distribute the flavours. Serve hot with raita, boiled eggs, or pickles on the side.
Enjoy your aromatic and flavourful **Quail Biryani**!