by prabodhdasari | Mar 2, 2023 | Food
Mirchi Ka Salan is a popular and spicy curry from Hyderabad, India. It is made with long green chilies cooked in a tangy peanut and sesame-based gravy. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, preparation, and best places to try Mirchi Ka Salan in Hyderabad.
History:
Mirchi Ka Salan has its roots in the cuisine of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It was traditionally served as a side dish with biryani and is now an integral part of Hyderabadi cuisine. The dish is believed to have been invented by the royal chefs of the Nizams, who experimented with local ingredients to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Ingredients:
The main ingredients in Mirchi Ka Salan are long green chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, tamarind pulp, onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. The chilies are first fried in oil until they are slightly blistered, and then cooked in a tangy and spicy peanut and sesame-based gravy. The gravy is made by roasting and grinding peanuts and sesame seeds along with other spices and then cooked with tamarind pulp and other ingredients.
Preparation:
To make Mirchi Ka Salan, the green chilies are first fried in hot oil until they are slightly blistered. The chilies are then removed from the pan, and the gravy is made by roasting peanuts and sesame seeds along with other spices and then grinding them into a paste. The paste is then cooked with tamarind pulp, onions, ginger, garlic, and other ingredients to create a tangy and spicy gravy.
Once the gravy is cooked, the fried chilies are added back to the pan and simmered until they are tender and flavorful. The dish is then garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served hot with biryani or steamed rice.
Best Mirchi Ka Salan Hotels:
If you’re in Hyderabad and want to try some of the best Mirchi Ka Salan, here are some places you shouldn’t miss:
- Cafe Bahar: Cafe Bahar is one of the most famous restaurants in Hyderabad known for its authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Their Mirchi Ka Salan is a must-try, and is made with the perfect balance of spice and tanginess.
- Shadab Restaurant: Shadab Restaurant is another popular spot in Hyderabad known for its delicious biryanis and curries. Their Mirchi Ka Salan is a must-try, and is made with the finest ingredients and spices.
- Hyderabad House: Hyderabad House is a chain of restaurants that serve authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Their Mirchi Ka Salan is a must-try, and is made with the perfect blend of spices and tanginess.
- Paradise: Paradise is a well-known restaurant in Hyderabad famous for its biryanis and curries. Their Mirchi Ka Salan is a must-try, and is made with the perfect balance of spice and tanginess.
Conclusion:
Mirchi Ka Salan is a flavorful and spicy curry that is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food. Whether you’re looking to try it at home or at one of the many restaurants in Hyderabad, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor!
by prabodhdasari | Mar 2, 2023 | Food
Double Ka Meetha is a popular dessert from Hyderabad, India, and is known for its rich, creamy, and sweet taste. This dessert is made by soaking bread in a sweet syrup and then garnishing it with nuts and saffron. In this article, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, preparation, and best places to try Double Ka Meetha in Hyderabad.
History:
Double Ka Meetha has its roots in the traditional Arabic dessert, Shahi Tukra, which was brought to India by the Mughals. Over time, the recipe evolved to include local ingredients such as bread and milk, and eventually became a popular dessert in Hyderabad.
Ingredients:
The main ingredients in Double Ka Meetha are bread, milk, sugar, ghee, nuts, and saffron. The bread is typically sliced and fried in ghee until it becomes crispy and golden brown. The sugar syrup is made by boiling sugar and water together, and then flavored with cardamom and saffron.
Preparation:
To make Double Ka Meetha, the bread is first sliced and then fried in ghee until it becomes crispy and golden brown. The fried bread is then soaked in a sugar syrup that has been flavored with cardamom and saffron, and then left to soak for several hours or overnight.
Once the bread has soaked up the syrup, it is topped with a layer of thick, creamy milk and garnished with nuts and saffron. The dish is then chilled and served cold, making it a perfect dessert for hot summer days.
Best Double Ka Meetha Hotels:
If you’re in Hyderabad and want to try some of the best Double Ka Meetha, here are some places you shouldn’t miss:
- Shadab Restaurant: Shadab Restaurant is a must-visit restaurant in Hyderabad for anyone looking to try authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Their Double Ka Meetha is a must-try, and is made with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Pista House: Pista House is a popular spot in Hyderabad known for its delicious sweets and savories. Their Double Ka Meetha is made with the finest ingredients and is garnished with plenty of nuts and saffron.
- Cafe Niloufer: Cafe Niloufer is a popular bakery and cafe in Hyderabad, and is known for its delicious pastries and desserts. Their Double Ka Meetha is a must-try, and is made with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Alhamdulillah Hotel: Alhamdulillah Hotel is a relatively new restaurant in Hyderabad, but has quickly gained a reputation for its delicious food. Their Double Ka Meetha is a must-try, and is made with the finest ingredients and garnished with plenty of nuts and saffron.
Conclusion:
Double Ka Meetha is a delicious and rich dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking to try it at home or at one of the many restaurants in Hyderabad, this dessert is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet and creamy desserts. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to garnish it with plenty of nuts and saffron for an extra touch of flavor!
by prabodhdasari | Mar 2, 2023 | Food
A Culinary Delight with a Rich History
When it comes to Indian cuisine, few dishes are as beloved and iconic as Hyderabadi Biryani. This flavorful rice dish hails from the city of Hyderabad, the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana. The dish is known for its rich aroma, tender meat, and fluffy rice, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history, ingredients, and preparation of Hyderabadi Biryani, as well as some of the best hotels to try it in.
History of Hyderabadi Biryani:
Hyderabadi Biryani has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the rule of the Nizams, who were the monarchs of Hyderabad from the early 18th century until India gained independence in 1947. The dish was first created in the royal kitchens, where skilled chefs would cook up elaborate feasts for the Nizams and their guests.
According to legend, the original recipe for Hyderabadi Biryani was brought to India by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s daughter, Zeb-un-Nisa, when she married the Nizam’s son. Over time, the dish evolved and adapted to local tastes, incorporating spices and cooking techniques from the region.
Ingredients of Hyderabadi Biryani:
The key to a good Hyderabadi Biryani is the quality of its ingredients. Traditionally, the dish is made with basmati rice, which is known for its long, slender grains and distinctive aroma. The rice is typically flavored with a variety of spices, including saffron, cardamom, and cloves, which give it its signature fragrance.
The meat used in Hyderabadi Biryani is usually either chicken or mutton, and is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices for several hours to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. The dish also contains onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, which add a depth of flavor and a bit of heat.
Preparation of Hyderabadi Biryani:
Preparing Hyderabadi Biryani is a labor-intensive process, but the end result is well worth the effort. The first step is to soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, which helps to remove excess starch and prevent it from sticking together when cooked.
Next, the meat is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The meat is then cooked in a large pot with onions, tomatoes, and green chilies until it is tender and flavorful.
Once the meat is cooked, the rice is added to the pot along with some saffron-infused water, and the whole dish is cooked over low heat until the rice is fluffy and aromatic. The dish is then garnished with fried onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before being served hot.
Best Hotels for Hyderabadi Biryani:
If you’re looking to try Hyderabadi Biryani in its place of origin, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants in Hyderabad that serve this iconic dish. Some of the most popular options include:
- Paradise Restaurant: This legendary restaurant has been serving up Hyderabadi Biryani for over 60 years and is a favorite among locals
and tourists alike. They have multiple locations throughout the city and offer both chicken and mutton biryani options.
- Bawarchi: Another popular restaurant in Hyderabad, Bawarchi is known for its flavorful and aromatic Hyderabadi Biryani. They also offer other regional specialties like Haleem and Osmania biscuits.
- Shah Ghouse: This restaurant has two locations in Hyderabad and is a favorite among locals for their tender and flavorful Hyderabadi Biryani. They also offer a variety of kebabs and other non-vegetarian dishes.
- Cafe Bahar: A popular restaurant in the city, Cafe Bahar is known for its delicious Hyderabadi Biryani and other regional specialties. They have a casual atmosphere and are a great option for a casual lunch or dinner.
Making Hyderabadi Biryani at Home:
While there are plenty of restaurants and hotels in Hyderabad where you can try Hyderabadi Biryani, there’s nothing quite like making it at home. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken or mutton, cut into pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 onions, sliced thinly
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- Salt, to taste
- 3-4 tbsp oil or ghee
- A pinch of saffron, soaked in 1/4 cup warm milk
Method:
- Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken or mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least an hour.
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pot and add the sliced onions. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the marinated meat and fry until browned on all sides. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the meat is tender.
- Layer the soaked rice on top of the meat mixture. Add the saffron milk, some fried onions, and enough water to cover the rice. Cover the pot and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Garnish with the remaining fried onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve hot with raita or salan.
LSI Keywords: Hyderabad, Telangana, Nizams, Mughal, Aurangzeb, basmati rice, saffron, cardamom, cloves, yogurt, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, green chilies, Paradise Restaurant, Bawarchi, Shah Ghouse, Cafe Bahar, kebabs, casual, recipe, raita, salan.
Conclusion:
Hyderabadi Biryani is not just a dish, it’s an experience. From its rich history to its flavorful ingredients and complex preparation, it’s no wonder that this rice dish has become an icon of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re visiting Hyderabad or making it at home, be sure to savor every bite of this culinary delight.
