How to Prepare Authentic Biryani for 15 People: The Perfect Amount of Rice and Chicken

Biryani, a popular and flavorful mixed rice dish, is a staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, preparing biryani for 15 people can be a daunting task. In this guide, we'll walk you through the necessary ingredients and steps to make sure you have the perfect amount of rice and chicken for a traditional biryani that satisfies even the largest gatherings.

Ingredients Calculation for 15 People Biryani

For biryani for 15 people you'll need:

Rice: About 1.5 kg (roughly 100–120g per person) Chicken: Around 2.5–3 kg (about 200–250g per person)

These measurements are a general guide and may vary depending on your recipe and the portion sizes you prefer.

Complete Recipe for Traditional Biryani for 15 People

Preparing biryani for 15 people involves scaling up the recipe and the amount of ingredients accordingly. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you prepare an authentic biryani:

Ingredients

Rice: Basmati Rice: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cups (about 750-900 grams uncooked rice) This typically yields about 7 to 9 cups of cooked rice Meat/Vegetables: Meat (Chicken, Beef, Lamb, etc.): Around 2.5 to 3 kg (5.5 to 6.5 lbs of meat) Vegetarian Option: 1.5 to 2 kg (3.3 to 4.4 lbs of vegetables or paneer) Spices and Seasoning: Onions: About 4 to 5 large onions, thinly sliced and fried or sautéed Tomatoes: 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, chopped Yogurt: 1 to 1.5 cups (about 250-375 grams) for marination and added to the rice Garlic-Ginger Paste: 3 to 4 tablespoons Biryani Masala: 2 to 3 tablespoons (adjust based on brand and strength) Whole Spices (such as bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, etc.): A small handful of each Ground Spices (such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, etc.): 1 to 2 teaspoons each (adjusted to taste) fresh herbs (such as cilantro and mint): A large bunch of each, chopped Additional Ingredients: Ghee or Oil: About 1 cup (250 ml) for frying and cooking Saffron: Optional (about 1/4 teaspoon soaked in 1/4 cup of warm milk for color and flavor) Lemon Juice: 2 to 3 tablespoons for tanginess Cashews and Raisins: Optional (about 1/2 cup of each)

Preparation Steps for Biryani

1. Marinate the Meat:

Mix the meat with yogurt, spices, and a portion of the fried onions. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.

2. Cook the Rice:

Parboil the rice with whole spices until it is 70-80% cooked.

3. Cook the Meat:

Saute the marinated meat with spices and onions until almost cooked.

4. Layering:

Layer the meat and rice in a large pot, adding saffron milk, fresh herbs, and fried onions between layers.

5. Final Cooking:

Steam the layers together on low heat dum cooking for about 30-40 minutes.

This should give you enough biryani for 15 people, with some additional portions for larger appetites or second servings. Adjust the quantities as needed based on specific preferences or recipes. Happy cooking!

Conclusion

By following the above recipe and preparation steps, you can prepare an authentic and delicious biryani for 15 people. The key is to balance the flavors, textures, and proportions of the ingredients. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a family gathering, your biryani will surely be a hit!