Tasting and Testing
The Perfect Biryani
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…?
Well I thought there are four tests to evaluate a Biryani, but a fellow blogger Alok told me about a fifth and final test - The Temperature Test. So here it is!
Test No. 5
Test No. 5
TEMPERATURE TEST
There is a 5th test for Biryani. Has it been served at the right temprature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice and do you feel the warmth on your tounge when you eat the inner part of the mutton.
THE PERFECT BIRYANI
So the next time a plate of Biryani is put in front of you, before you eat it, do carry out these simple five tests and tell us all about it – did the Biryani pass all the tests with flying colours? Is it a perfect Biryani?
HAPPY EATING
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2011
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
This is an excerpt from my Foodie Book Appetite for a Stroll
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o
I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-81910
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-ka
COCKTAIL ebook
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About Vikram Karve
A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. 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. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 14 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
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Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
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