This dish is cooked with Chicken/ Murgh and Yogurt on slow fire. Dry fruits like raisins and walnuts native to the beautiful state of Kashmir, add a distinctive flavor to it.
As the month of Ramadan begins all over the world, Biryani is a feasting dish perfect for Ramadan Iftaars, the celebration that rounds up Ramadan. A biryani of some description is always a regulation dish at celebrations, and the Kashmiri version is one of the many that needs to be a part of the Muslim tradition.
This version of Biryani is often preferred as it is rich and made even more special by the use of raisins and walnuts. I believe making different versions of Biryani also has a lot to do with the status of the family, this dish is judged by both the quantity and the array of nuts and dried fruits included.
I have always loved movies based in Kashmir ki waadiyaan. The idea of romance on a row boat is very fascinating. On one side, where the Gandola rides in Venice are considered romantic, my idea of romance still goes back to the beautiful shikaara rides with flowers around. I really wish to take that ride with Mr. Parveez some day. Till then, trying to cook cuisines from my favorite places is something I enjoy doing.
The first time I tried the Kashmiri Murgh Akhrot Biryani was one of my Friday Iftaars. Though I try to stay away from experiments during Ramadan, Friday Iftaars are a different story. My tables are lavish and my dastarkhaan has food in large variety and quantity to feed the whole army. My kids love our Friday Iftaar and somewhere look forward to Ramadan, for the lavish Friday Iftaar.
This dish has a lot of influence from the Persians. Most persian dishes are made using loads of dry fruits and nuts with meat, but with the addition of spices, the flavor of the dish changes, hence makes a Kashmiri Biryani.
This Biryani seemed rich in flavor as I mentioned before. The spice level is less, since the region of Kashmir has most of their spices come in from Saffron and cinnamon than chili. Its very pleasing to the eyes since the presentation has loads of raisins and walnuts garnished. In all, a fabulous dish and very flavorful.