Dalcha

I am from North of India, Rajasthan, to be precise. There was just one kind Biryani that my mom made, similar masalas with either mutton or chicken and always served with Boondi Raita. Once I got married, everything changed. I got introduced to the real Biryani world. Getting married to a family who are vaguely connected to the Mughals [believe me] and a good food loving family.

I got introduced to not just varieties of Biryanis, that are almost close to the language dialects of our country with basic ingredients being the same, while spices, marination time and other requirements change and the result each time is fabulous biryani with different taste, leaving you craving for a new and different biryani every time.

So, coming back to Biryani accompaniments, I also discovered new side dished for Biryani, like Khatte Baingan, Cucumber Raita, Onion Tomato Raita, Dahi ki chutney, Mirch ka salan and Dalcha. Earlier, Mr. Parveez would always make Dalcha when I made Biryani. He took a lot of pride and would always be more than happy showing off his cooking skills, specially since its one of the few things that only he made. Until one day, my high tech husband had a last minute work call and he came out with the secret recipe and I made it…Its easy, thought you might find it difficult the first time but you get the hang of it and trust me, it makes you perfect Biryani outstanding.

Vegetable Biryani

We love Biryani. Till date, I have cooked over 45 varieties of Biryani, with different flavors and different styles of cooking. Its amazing how beautifully the flavors blend in together and give out fabulous taste.

Biryani was introduced by Mughals in India. But with time, the addition of spices, chilies, local produce were added to enhance and make numerous varieties of Biryanis. And, I believe that with time, the vegetarians in India adapted the dish and decided to make the vegetarian option. Nevertheless, meat/ chicken/ vegetables, Biryani is always delicious.

Usually, Biryanis always goes hand in hand with chicken/ meat and is a non vegetarians delight. But, little do we realize that vegetarian Biryani would be equally delicious. While making vegetable Biryani, its always advised to use a variety of vegetables, of your choice. The good thing is that veggies are incorporated so easily that even with people who dislike them, enjoy it in this form.