HOW TO JUDGE A BIRYANI
The Four Tests
By
VIKRAM KARVE
A plate of mouthwatering Biryani is placed in front of you.
On first impressions, how do you judge a Biryani…?
Well, as far as I am concerned, there are four basic tests you must carry out to assess a Biryani.
Test No. 1
SPREAD TEST
First try the “Spread Test”.
Pick up a little Biryani in your fingers and sprinkle it on the side dish. The grains of rice must not stick together but remain separate. The pieces of meat must be succulent, clear and dry, not greasy, and easily separate from the rice.
A good Biryani will easily qualify the spread test.
Test No. 2
AROMA TEST
Lift the plate of Biryani and smell the pieces of meat. The Biryani must be pleasantly aromatic and you must be able to discern the delicate sweetish fragrance and appetizing mouthwatering aroma of marinated spices and the aroma must not be overpowering, sharp or piquant. The Biryani must pass the “aroma test” with flying colours as there is nothing more appetizing than a mouthwatering aroma…!
Test No. 3
TASTE TEST
Taste the meat, ideally mutton. It must be well-cooked, flavoursome, succulent, delicious.
Then roll some rice on your tongue – the subtle flavour and taste of the spices must mildly and pleasantly come through, and must not be overpoweringly spicy, greasy or pungent.
Test No. 4
POTATO TEST
Now you come to the fourth and final test – the “Potato Test”.
Dig deep and search for the potato in the Biryani.
The potatoes must taste as scrumptious as the meat – that is the hallmark of a superlative Biryani.
And if there is no potato – well dear fellow foodie, tell me, can there be a perfect Biryani without a potato which tastes as delicious as the meat…?
JUDGING A BIRYANI
So the next time a Biryani is put in front of you, before you eat it, do carry out these simple four tests and tell us all about it – did the Biryani pass these four tests with flying colours?
Dear Reader, do let us know which is your favourite Biryani – do give us details of the restaurant so we too can try it out.
And if you are a passionate foodie do have a look at my Foodie Adventures Book Appetite for a Stroll
HAPPY EATING
VIKRAM KARVE
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU, Lawrence School Lovedale, and Bishop's School Pune, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com
Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Mmmm... A fascinatingly mouth-watering post indeed, dear Dr. Karve! Biryani, anytime, anywhere... yes... but the one I can't forget having ever tasted was at Igatpuri in 1996. ;-))
ReplyDeleteAnd that was a delicious set of tips to test a good Biryani, too. Cheers!!! ;-))
Never had Biryani, but if the opportunity ever presents itself, I'll be an expert taste testing it! Sounds delicious~Cal
ReplyDeleteVery nice flow.Good article
ReplyDeleteVery nice flow.Good article
Very nice flow.Good article
Very nice flow.Good article
Very nice flow.Good article