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Home / Rice Recipes / Biryani Rice- Kuska Recipe

Published: January 1, 2021 | By Harini

Biryani Rice- Kuska Recipe

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Biryani rice

Biryani rice or kuska is a delicious rice recipe from Indian cuisine with very few simple ingredients. This recipe is made across India in various names and with minor change in ingredients.

It is the prepared in the same way we prepare rice while making biryani recipe and served with any spicy curry. Kuska on the other hand has a simple masala with onions and tomatoes. Here I am sharing detailed biryani rice recipe along with instructions for making kuska.

biryani rice or kusks served in a ceramic plate

Rice being the staple food of India, there are so many ways one could prepare and enjoy it. Chicken biryani or vegetable biryani is one of the most popular rice recipes.

This biryani rice or biryani chawal is also a very popular one in restaurant menus, wedding buffets and usually served with rich, spicy and flavorful non vegetarian or vegetarian curry.

This recipe of briyani rice is a from a chef who cooked it one of the parties we had been to. It was wonderful.

I often make this biryani chawal when I want to make something rich yet quick, without much chopping or prep work.

I serve it with rich curries like bagara baingan, paneer butter masala, veg makhanwala, veg kurma, mirch ka salan.

This is a very easy rice dish and all you need are good quality aged long grain rice, some whole spices, onions and herbs like mint leaves, coriander leaves. It tastes very rich and has a wonderful delicate aroma.

Here is how to make best biryani rice recipe with step by step photos.

Table Of Contents
  • Biryani rice
    • About This Recipe
      • What Is Biryani Rice?
      • Why This Recipe works?
    • How To Make Biryani Rice Recipe?
      • Preparation
      • Making Fried Onions For Biryani Chawal
      • Making Biryani Rice
    • How To Make Biryani Rice In Instant Pot
    • Variations With Biryani Chawal
    • More Rice Recipes
    • Recipe Card

About This Recipe

What Is Biryani Rice?

Biryani rice is simply long grain basmati rice cooked with whole spices, herbs, saffron and topped with fried onions. It is prepared in the same style as biryani but without meat or vegetables.

This kind of preparing rice with whole spices are popular among Indian recipes. Kuska, ghee rice, saffron rice are few variations of this biryani rice with minor changes.

You can make biryani rice dishes in many ways. The whole spices and seasonings used varies from place to place. Few recipes use a generous dose of ginger garlic while some other recipe uses pre made biryani masala.

In some places they cook this rice in light coconut milk instead of water. You can also use broth for more flavor.

In whichever way you choose to make, the essence of this recipe is to cook it without vegetables and keep it simple.

It is delicious, flavorful, rich yet delicate with subtle hint of saffron. It tastes absolutely delicious with spicy rich gravies.

Kids will love this rice with onion raita or plain curd.

Why This Recipe works?

My recipe of biryani rice is easy to make, really flavorful and absolutely delicious. The whole spices used in this recipe are carefully chosen and renders best flavor.

I have kept the other seasonings minimum to let the flavor of basmati rice, saffron and whole spices shine.

I have used vegan butter to saute the spices here but you can easily use ghee, butter or any vegetable oil.

Also I have added some saffron to this recipe for flavor and also the vibrant streaks of orange in the rice. It just looks so good right?

The main attraction of this biryani chawal is the fried onions or brista. Thinly sliced onions are deep fried and added to the cooked biryani rice just before serving. They taste so good and adds a lot of flavor and texture.

I have made the whole recipe in a pan on stovetop but I have included instructions for making this rice in instant pot or pressure cooker too.

If you are looking for an easy yet delectable rice dish that goes well with your rich gravies, do try this biryani rice that is

easy and quick to make

vegetarian, vegan and gluten free

rich with delicate flavors

delicious, non sticky

perfect with rich gravies.

closeup shot of kuska or plain biryani

How To Make Biryani Rice Recipe?

Preparation

To begin making this recipe, pick and rinse 1 cup basmati rice thoroughly. You can use any long grain rice.

Then soak the rice in a large bowl full of water for 30 minutes.

how to cook basmati rice

Drain the rice in a colander and spread on a plate for 10 minutes and set aside.

how to cook basmati rice

Pick the whole spices and keep them ready. You will need 1 bay leaf, 2 green cardamoms, 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, 1 star anise and 3 cloves. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds but I did not use it.

spices for making biryani rice

Rinse 1/4 cup coriander leaves and 1/4 cup mint leaves well. Chop them finely

Mince 1 inch ginger and 3 cloves garlic together. You can also use 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste.

Making Fried Onions For Biryani Chawal

Pick 2 large onions and remove the outer peel.

Cut them into thin slices.

thinly sliced onions

Heat oil in small pan. Once the oil is hot add the sliced onions.

frying onions

Fry in low heat until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Remove to a strainer and set aside.

fried onions or brista

Making Biryani Rice

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or pan. Add the bay leaf, cloves, green cardamoms, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick and fry for a minute.

sauteing spices in butter

Next in goes minced ginger garlic or ginger garlic paste, chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves.

minced ginger garlic and herbs added to sautéed spices

Mix well and fry them in medium heat for a minute.

fried spices and herbs for making biryani rice

Now add the drained rice and mix well.

soaked and drained rice added to sautéed herbs and spices

Saute gently until all the moisture from the rice is absorbed. Add 2.5 cups water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix gently.

water added to rice for kuska

Next add few saffron strands and salt. Bring the water to a gentle boil.

salt and saffron strands added to water

Cover the lid and cook the rice for 6-8 minutes or until the rice is well cooked. Cook in low heat and use a sturdy heavy pan to prevent burning of the rice at the bottom.

cooking  biryani rice

Fluff up the rice grains gently with a fork.

fluffed up biryani rice

Divide the rice among serving plates and top with fried onion as required. Serve biryani rice immediately with side dish of your choice.

biryani rice topped with fried onions ready to serve

How To Make Biryani Rice In Instant Pot

To prepare this recipe in instant pot or stove top pressure cooker here are the instructions.

Instant pot- Prepare the rice, fried onions as mentioned in the recipe. Place the steel insert inside the IP and switch it on. Press saute mode and fry the spices, herbs and ginger garlic.

Add soaked and drainer rice, salt and saffron. Add 2 cups water and close the IP. Cook in manual or pressure cooker mode for 4 minutes. Let pressure settle down for another 4 minutes. Open and gently fluff up the rice. Serve warm.

Pressure cooker- Follow the same procedure as mentioned above and cook for 2 whistles in medium heat. L

Variations With Biryani Chawal

With ground spices– If you do not wish adding whole spice in this recipe, you can pound the given spices to fine powder and saute along with ginger garlic.

You can also add 1 teaspoon garam masala powder or 2 teaspoons biryani masala powder

Make it Spicy– If you want to make this dish with pronounced heat you can saute 2 slit green chilies or chili peppers along with spices. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder along with ginger garlic and saute.

South Indian Kuska– This is another variation of this popular in south India known as kuska. To make kuska just saute 1 finely chopped onion and 2 finely chopped tomatoes after frying whole spices, herbs and ginger garlic.

Add 1 teaspoon biryani masala, 1 teaspoon garam masala and 1 teaspoon red chili powder. Saute well until tomatoes are well cooked and soft. Add 2 tablespoons curd and mix well.

Now add the soaked and dried rice, mix well, add 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook until rice is done.

kuska or plain biryani served in a ceramic plate

More Rice Recipes

Jeera Rice

Perfect Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
Perfect jeera rice recipe! The only recipe you will need to make Indian cumin rice or rice flavored with cumin seeds. Not just any recipe but the one with perfectly cooked fluffy rice with spot on cumin flavor, grains full and separate and not greasy! This is a super easy recipe, ready in less than 15 minutes , best with Indian curries, vegetarian and gluten free!
Check out this recipe
perfect jeera rice recipe- Indian cumin rice

Masala Rice

Masala Rice Recipe
Quick and easy to make veg rice with left over rice.
Check out this recipe
vegan and gluten free masala rice served in a rice bowl for lunch.

Veg Pulao

Best Easy Veg Pulao
Best veg pulao recipe with stove top and instant pot instructions. Learn how to make veg pulao that is so flavorful, fluffy and very delicious in no time with this rice. Vegetarian & gluten free! With just rice, vegetables and few spices, this pulao gets ready in 30 minutes. You can use a heavy pan or pot, instant pot or electric pressure cooker or even regular pressure cooker to make this.
Check out this recipe
This veg pulao recipe is delicious, easy and gives you the perfect restaurant style veg pulao every single time. You can make this pilaf very easily for a crowd. With a chockablock of veggies and mild spices, this vegetable pulao will easi;y be the star of any feast!

Palak Pulao

Palak pulao recipe | how to make palak pulao, spinach pulao recipe.
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I hope you will try this vegetable cutlet recipe and enjoy as much as we did. Please give a star rating ★ in the recipe card below if you have tried this recipe. Follow us on Pinterest , Instagram, Facebook   for more recipes and ideas.

Recipe Card

biryani rice or kusks served in a ceramic plate

Biryani Rice- Kuska

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Harini
Biryani rice or kuska is a delicious rice recipe from Indian cuisine with very few simple ingredients. This recipe is made across India in various names and with minor change in ingredients. It is the prepared in the same way we prepare rice while making biryani recipe and served with any spicy curry. Kuska on the other hand has a simple masala with onions and tomatoes. Here I am sharing detailed biryani rice recipe along with instructions for making kuska.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rice long grain, basmati
  • 2.5 cups water 2.25 cups for IP
  • 3 tablespoons butter Or oil or ghee. I used vegan butter.
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 green cardamoms
  • 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste or freshly minced ginger and garlic
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves chopped
  • salt to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon saffron

For Fried Onions

  • 3/4 cup onions thinly sliced
  • oil for frying

Instructions
 

Making Fried Onions For Biryani Chawal

  • Pick 2 large onions and remove the outer peel. Cut them into thin slices.
    thinly sliced onions
  • Heat oil in small pan. Once the oil is hot add the sliced onions. Fry in low heat until they turn crispy and golden brown.
    frying onions
  • Remove to a strainer and set aside.
    fried onions or brista

Making Biryani Rice

  • Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or pan. Add the bay leaf, cloves, green cardamoms, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick and fry for a minute.
    sauteing spices in butter
  • Next in goes minced ginger garlic or ginger garlic paste, chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves.
    minced ginger garlic and herbs added to sautéed spices
  • Mix well and fry them in medium heat for a minute.
    fried spices and herbs for making biryani rice
  • Now add the drained rice and mix well.
    soaked and drained rice added to sautéed herbs and spices
  • Saute gently until all the moisture from the rice is absorbed.
    water added to rice for kuska
  • Add 2.5 cups water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix gently
    salt and saffron strands added to water
  • Next add few saffron strands and salt to taste.
    salt and saffron strands added to water
  • Bring the water to a gentle boil
  • Cover the lid and cook the rice for 6-8 minutes or until the rice is well cooked. Cook in low heat and use a sturdy heavy pan to prevent burning of the rice at the bottom.
    cooking biryani rice
  • Fluff up the rice grains gently with a fork.
    fluffed up biryani rice
  • Divide the rice among serving plates and top with fried onion as required. Serve biryani rice immediately with side dish of your choice.
    biryani rice or kusks served in a ceramic plate

Notes

The recipe can be doubled, use a bigger pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 3servingsCalories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 177mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 599IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mg
Keyword biryani rice, kuska
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Shared by Harini

About Harini

I am Harini. The recipe developer, food photographer and chef behind cook click n devour. My aim behind this blog is to provide easy, tried and tested recipes that beginners can cook with confidence. I took keen interest in cooking and took courses on cooking, baking during teens purely out of passion. With a decade of cooking experience I am glad to share my recipes and culinary knowledge with you all here. Stay tuned and happy cooking!
Harini :)

Comments

  1. Sarah Westbury says

    January 17, 2021 at 4:57 am

    5 stars
    I love this and have it most days! I don’t know why as I’ve never liked cardamom! I use black cardamom which is smoky & smells & tastes amazing . I’ve tried a few of your recipes now and they are restaurant quality – I just love, love love them! Thank you for sharing

  2. Harini says

    January 17, 2021 at 9:35 am

    Thank you so much Sarah for your kind words, I am glad you love them, happy cooking!

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Hello, I am Harini


The chef, author and photograper of cook click n devour.Here I bring to you tried and tested vegetarian recipes with step by step photos and videos to make cooking a pleasure and fulfilling experience. Happy cooking!
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