MASOOR PULAO

Akkha Masoor Ki Biryani

Akkha Masoor Ki Biryani is a wholesome vegetarian biryani prepared using whole brown lentils (sabut masoor), fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and the traditional Dum cooking method. This one-pot meal is rich in protein, iron, and flavor, making it a nutritious choice. Serve hot with raita, pickle, and papad.

Ingredients

• ½ cup akkha (sabut) masoor dal (whole brown lentils), soaked overnight and cooked until 70–80% done
• 4 tbsp fried onions (prepared from about 2 medium onions)
• 1 potato, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp tomato purée (or 1 chopped tomato)
• 1–2 dried plums (optional)
• ½ tsp black cumin (shah jeera)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 star anise
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp Shilpa’s Masala Mill Garam Masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Juice of ½ lime
• Salt to taste
• 4–5 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 1 cup long-grain basmati rice, soaked for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, kadhai, or pressure cooker.
2. Add the black cumin, bay leaves, green cardamoms, and star anise.
3. Stir for about 1 minute.
4. Add the cubed potatoes and fry over medium heat until they are about 20–30% cooked.
5. Add the ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 minute.
6. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the fried onions and mix well.
7. Add the yogurt and tomato purée. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
8. Add the chilli powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt.
9. Cook the masala for another 3–4 minutes. If it begins to stick, add a little water and continue cooking.

1. Add the partially cooked masoor dal.
2. Cook (bhunao) over medium heat until the oil separates from the masala.
3. Add the dried plums and lime juice.
4. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice and fry gently for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in hot water according to your rice cooking instructions.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
7. Cover the pot and cook the biryani on Dum over low heat. You may place the pot on a hot tawa for even cooking.
8. Cook for approximately 20–25 minutes.
9. Switch off the heat.

1. Garnish the biryani with the remaining fried onions and fresh coriander leaves.
2. Your delicious Akkha Masoor Ki Biryani is ready to serve.