The Great Biriyani Cookout - Yay !

Finally, the day arrived and Dinesh was kind enough to pick me up so close to home. We made our way to Adyar Cafe Coffee Day, waiting to pick up the rest of the junta. (Carpooling it was). PG, Aswin, Sruti, Tasneem, Shivani and few more arrived, and we headed towards Lakshmi Farms on ECR. Nish had mentioned it was right after the toll and we would be able to see balloons. :P And we were looking out for the balloons and went up to Mayajaal. (Little did we know that the balloons arrived after us ! :P ) Dinesh - Thanks #1

Rajab Nisha was absolutely brilliant. She, with her tremendous experience, made this huge cookout seemingly so easy ! And not to mention Asma, who with her dazzling smile, was so delightful to watch in the make-shift kitchen. Thanks #2

The cookout started off with bread halwa, and Kamalika and I were already drooling. It was a bright and sunny day and the Arabian tent did serve the purpose to an extent, but Chennai heat at its full glory took its toll. RO iced water and soft drinks did little to ease the heat, but what did actually make us all feel better was the amazing food and the enthusiastic group. So, Thanks #3!

Bread halwa was followed by batter making for chicken and gobi 65. They were left to marinate, and we moved on to the baingan salan (aka ennai kathrikkai, baghara baingan, kathrikai thokku). Totally tempting (I did shudder at the amount of oil, but I guess it has to be made that way!)

This was followed by making the gravy for the biriyani. It is the base for all types of biriyani. It would later be split into 3 parts to accommodate veg, chicken and mutton varieties.

The sweetened rice was on the stove and whilst that was cooking, we took a break to rest our muddy feet and quench our parched throats.

That done, the veg biriyani got its opportunity to get cooked, followed by chicken and mutton. Meanwhile, on a stove, the gobi 65 started to fry, followed by chicken.

The group was impatient, and hunger pangs began to pass. I was worried if I would be able to do justice to this amazing cook out. We couldn't wait for the table to be set and that done, we dug in.

It was truly a delicious cookout, and I can't wait to try all this at home. (S - please note :P) I have the bread halwa and sweetened rice saved, and will be eaten with lunch tomorrow.

Rajab Nisha's tips were amazing, and I know a few people have diligently taken down detailed notes. Jaya: Please share :)

Jaya was the official translator, for people who couldn't see what was happening, and PG was the official kinder (mixer :P). Even Chef Rajab Nisha commented "avar karandi pudichu verum pose thanga kudukaraaru" :P

Oh, and thanks #4  to Nigar Sultana of Dawat-e-Biriyani for her silent support and being the associate sponsor of this event. She has graciously signed our certificates and has given each of us a 15% off voucher on all orders (valid for 3 months).

What a way to spend a Saturday. Truly memorable. Way to go Ali and Nish. Look forward to many more such cookouts and workshops. Thanks #5

and Lastly, Thanks #6 Aswin, for dropping me home, with a free tour of the city ! :P ;-)

The Great Biriyani Cookout - Yummm

Image courtesy: Wiki

Biriyani, biriani, beryani or beriani is a set of rice-based foods made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word beryā(n) (بریان) which means "fried" or "roasted" (courtesy wiki).

So when Ali took a "hands up" count of who wanted to be in, naturally I raised my hands, but then noticed he'd mentioned mutton / chicken. And then, with the sudden spurt in response for veggie biriyani, he was kind enough to include that as part of the session. I was so prepared to do a dharna in front of his house if he hadn't said okay to a veggie session ;-)


So, if you want to learn how to make authentic muslim biriyani, (and impress your girl friends / wives / boy friends / husbands and the rest of the world), all you need to do is to go here and register.

Mr Rajab, with over 15 years of experience in the biriyani industry (er.. if I can call it that), has graciously consented to teach a bunch of us curious folks how to make this divine dish. And it's not just biriyani on the cards. Check out the event page for complete details.

You only need to bring your cutting board and knife, and rest is organized by CFG.

The event happens next Saturday (23 Jun 2012), from 1130-1530, at Lakshmi Farms, ECR. At 1499 per person, this is a great way to meet fellow foodizens, cook and eat to your hearts' and tummies' content. :-)

Look forward to seeing you all at the mother of all events and hogging on some awesome biriyani ! (bah.. diet goes for a toss ;-) but who cares !!!)