Looking for an authentic prawn biryani recipe that’s bursting with flavor? Dive into the rich and aromatic world of prawns biryani, an iconic Koli dish. This recipe brings together succulent prawns, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked rice for a meal that will leave you craving more. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make prawn biryani like a pro, and enjoy a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Prawns Biryani
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients to prepare your kolambi biryani:
- 500-600g prawns (cleaned and deveined)
- 500g basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 tsp KO turmeric powder
- 1-2 tbsp KO koli masala
- 1 tbsp KO ginger garlic paste
- Whole spices: cinnamon, green and black cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, star anise, caraway seeds, black pepper
- Fresh herbs: mint leaves, coriander leaves
- 2-3 green chilies
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3-4 onions (sliced)
- 1-2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 small potato (diced)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil and 2 tbsp ghee
- 2 tbsp KO prawn biryani masala
Step-by-Step Process: How to Prepare Prawns Biryani
1. Prawns Marination
The secret to a flavorful prawn biryani masala lies in the marination.
- Clean and rinse the prawns thoroughly.
- In a bowl, combine the prawns with salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp koli masala, and 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste.
- Mix well, ensuring the spices coat the prawns evenly. Set aside for 30 minutes to let the flavors seep in.
2. Preparing the Biryani Rice
Perfect rice is key to mastering how to cook prawn biryani:
- Boil water in a large pot and add whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, star anise, caraway seeds, black pepper, and mint leaves.
- Add salt and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Stir in the soaked rice and cook until it is 70-80% done.
- Drain the rice and drizzle some cooking oil and lime juice to keep the grains separate.
3. Cooking Prawn Biryani Masala
The heart of shrimp biryani is the masala:
- Heat a pan and add oil and 2 spoons of ghee.
- Sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
- Add a pinch of salt to speed up the process.
- Stir in the diced potato and cook until tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes, 1-2 spoons of ginger garlic paste, and a chopped green chili.
- Once the mixture is well-cooked, add 2 spoons of prawn biryani masala and 1/2 tsp koli masala.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Add the marinated prawns and cook on a low flame until they are tender and coated in the flavorful masala.
- Finish with a handful of fresh coriander and mint leaves.
4. Making Birista (Fried Onions)
For that perfect finishing touch:
- In a separate pan, heat oil and fry sliced onions until crispy and golden brown. This will add a delightful crunch to your prawns dum biryani.
5. Layering the Biryani
Layering is the final step in learning how to prepare prawns biryani:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread 2 spoons of ghee.
- Add a layer of cooked rice, followed by a layer of the prawn masala.
- Sprinkle coriander, mint leaves, and birista over the masala.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of rice and birista.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and seal the edges with dough.
- Cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Pro Tips for the Best Prawn Biryani
- Fresh Prawns for the Win: Always use fresh prawns to enhance the flavor of your prawn biryani masala.
- Perfect Rice Texture: Don’t overcook the rice during boiling; it should be firm enough to hold its shape during layering.
- Layer with Care: Ensure the layers are evenly distributed for a balanced taste in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prawns Biryani
- Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp works just as well and adds a similar flavor to this shrimp biryani recipe - What makes prawns dum biryani unique?
The dum cooking method locks in the flavors, making the biryani aromatic and delicious - How to prepare prawns biryani with a spicy kick?
Add extra koli masala or a few more green chilies for a spicier version of this recipe. - Is prawn biryani good for health?
Yes, prawns biryani can be healthy, providing lean protein and nutrients when prepared with fresh ingredients and balanced spices
This prawns biryani recipe is a delicious blend of aromatic spices, marinated prawns, and layered basmati rice, cooked to perfection. A classic dish, it's bursting with flavors and perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal!
Ingredients
500-600g prawns (cleaned and deveined)
500g basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
1/2 tsp KO turmeric powder
1-2 tbsp KO koli masala
1 tbsp KO ginger garlic paste
Whole spices: cinnamon, green and black cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, star anise, caraway seeds, black pepper
Fresh herbs: mint leaves, coriander leaves
2-3 green chilies
Juice of 2 limes
3-4 onions (sliced)
1-2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 small potato (diced)
2 tbsp cooking oil and 2 tbsp ghee
2 tbsp KO prawn biryani masala
