Pulaos, Biryanis, and Other Rice Dishes

The aroma of basmati rice as it cooks epitomizes the Indian pulaos and biryanis. Basmati rice originated in India, and rice is a staple in the diets of 50 percent of the Indian population. Many Indian festivals, such as Lohri in the north, Pongal in the south, and Bihu in Assam, are based around the rice harvest.

Pulaos and biryanis are appetizing and especially charming when cooked with spices, vegetables, pulses, or meats. Biryanis, of course, are some of the most popular and satisfying Indian dishes, and here is your chance to learn to make the famous Hyderabadi kachche gosht ki biryani, murgh biryani, and the Gujarati ek handi nu dal bhaat—a delicious one-pot meal, as are many of these dishes.