Beef Kofta Biryani Recipe

Ingredients

For Beef Kofta:

 

• 500g ground beef (lean)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)

For Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 black peppercorns
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups water

For Biryani Masala:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup oil or ghee
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup milk
• Pinch of saffron
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fried onions (birista)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Fresh cilantro
• Boiled eggs (optional)
• Almonds and cashews, fried

Instructions

Prepare the Kofta:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, all spices, herbs, egg, and breadcrumbs.
2. Mix thoroughly and knead for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
3. Form into walnut-sized balls and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and fry koftas until golden brown on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
5. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Rice:

1. Wash basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring water to boil with whole spices and salt.
3. Add drained rice and cook until 70% done (should still have a slight bite).
4. Drain immediately and set aside.

Prepare Biryani Masala:

1. Heat oil in the same pan used for koftas.
2. Fry sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove half for garnish.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste to remaining onions and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add yogurt, all spices, and salt. Cook until oil separates (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Return koftas to the pan and gently mix. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Soak saffron in warm milk.

Assemble the Biryani:

1. In the same pot, spread half the rice over the kofta masala.
2. Sprinkle half the mint, cilantro, and fried onions.
3. Layer remaining rice on top.
4. Sprinkle remaining herbs, fried onions, and saffron milk.
5. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, then place the lid.
6. Cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes until steam forms.
7. Reduce heat to lowest setting and cook for 45 minutes.
8. Turn off heat and let it rest for 10 minutes without opening.

Serving:

1. Gently mix the biryani before serving.
2. Garnish with fried onions, fresh herbs, boiled eggs, and nuts.
3. Serve hot with raita, pickle, and shorba (clear soup).

Tips:

• Don't overmix the kofta mixture to keep them tender
• Use good quality basmati rice for best results
• The key to perfect biryani is the dum cooking process - keep heat very low
• Let the biryani rest after cooking for flavors to meld together
• Adjust spice levels according to your preference

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people

Enjoy your homemade Beef Kofta Biryani!