Aloo Masoor Biriyani Recipe With Super Delicious Biriyani Raita Recipe Red Lentil & Aloo Biriyani

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of making Aloo Masoor Biriyani, a flavorful biryani made with red lentils and potatoes, paired with a refreshing raita. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also results in a delicious and healthy meal that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you will need for the biryani and raita:

Ingredients for Aloo Masoor Biriyani

• 1 cup whole masoor (red lentils), soaked overnight
• 1.5 cups rice (basmati or kolam)
• 3 to 4 tbsp oil
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• A few curry leaves
• Whole spices:
  • 8 black peppercorns
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp ginger, garlic, and green chili paste
• Chopped coriander leaves
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into two slices
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp red Kashmiri chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin and coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp pure ghee
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1/4 cup water (for cooking masoor)

Ingredients for Raita

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup coriander, chopped
• 1 cup dahi (curd)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tsp sugar powder
• 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
• Chaat masala to taste

Step 2: Prepare the Aloo Masoor Biriyani

1. Cook the Masoor: In a separate vessel, add the soaked masoor with 1/4 cup water and cook until tender.
2. Fry Onions: In a large pot, heat oil and fry the chopped onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnishing later.
3. Add Whole Spices: Add black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Paste: Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili paste. Cook for another minute.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and potatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
6. Season the Mixture: Add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin and coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
7. Combine Masoor and Rice: Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked masoor and soaked rice to the pot. Pour in enough water to cook the rice (about 3 cups), and mix gently.
8. Cook the Biryani: Cover the pot and allow it to cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and absorbs the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Raita

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and coriander.
2. Add Dahi: Stir in the curd along with water to adjust consistency.
3. Season: Add salt, pepper powder, sugar powder, roasted cumin powder, and chaat masala. Mix thoroughly.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the raita until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Biryani: Fluff the biryani gently with a fork and serve it on a plate.
2. Garnish: Top with the reserved fried onions and lemon slices.
3. Pair with Raita: Serve the biryani with a generous helping of raita on the side.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully made Aloo Masoor Biriyani and a refreshing raita. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Consider experimenting with different spices or vegetables to customize the flavors to your liking. Enjoy your delicious homemade biryani!