Kathal Biryani Recipe | How to make Kathal Ki Dum Biryani | Learn how to make Jackfruit Biryani
Kathal Ki Biryani aka Jackfruit Biryani is a mildly spiced biryani made from unripe Jackfruit. Perfect royal treat for special occasions or for family weekend brunch.
Kathal Ki Biryani is a Vegetarian's and Vegan's Delight. It is a medley of flavours from kathal cooked in aromatic spices with fragrant basmati rice. If you love Kathal/Jackfruit then you should give definite try to this exotic dish.
Kathal aka Jackfruit is a wonderful substitute for meat for vegetarians and vegans. It is abundantly available in summers and you can even find the canned/frozen jackfruit in supermarkets when the vegetable is not in season.
Why make Kathal ki Biryani
The word Biryani needs no introduction. It is a Mughlai dish which travelled from Persia to India with Mughals and some believe it Turks.
Traditionally Biryani was made with various meats(goat, lamb, chicken, fish or prawns) but now there are so many vegetarian versions with mixed vegetables, potato, mushrooms, paneer. And each variation can also be adapted to it's vegan version by substituting dairy ingredients with plant based.
Special occasions become more special when we served biryani along with the other delicacies. Biryanis are perfect for the weekend brunches and get together with loved ones.
Kathal or Jackfruit is a good substitute for meat not only for it's nutritional value but also for it's meaty texture. Those who turn vegans and vegetarians they can relish Kathal as a meat substitute.
Kathal is also used in making Tacos where it is substituted with various meats.
The Challange
When it was my turn to suggest the theme for this month's Foodies Challenge in my Facebook group Shh Coking Secretly Challenge I thought why not everyone make some delicious Biryani and Pulao as the festival season is soon approaching. Not only with rice, now a days we can make exotic meals with millets and quinoa . And I am so glad my fellow bloggers have whipped up such delicious pulao and biryanis (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations).
Making Biryanis may seem to to be a tedious task but enjoying a royal treat once in a while is worth all the effort.
My partner for this month was Preethi . She gave me green cardamoms and saffron milk and I gave her Star Anise and Yogurt. She made this delicious Mushroom Biryani. Another delicious Biryani from her blog is Indian Cottage Cheese and Corn on Cob Disc Biryani. I have bookmarked both the recipes to try out soon as I love mushrooms and potatoes.
Checkout more Vegetable Biryanis from the blog-
If you love rice and one pot meals checkout this Collection of Rice dishes from the blog--
Collection of Rice Biryani and Pulao recipes
Another must try recipe with Kathal/Jackfruit from the blog-- Kathal Ki Subzi
How to make Kathal Biryani
Kathal Biryani is very famous in North India and there are different variations. Many cook it as one pot meal where marinated pieces are cooked with raw rice. The other variation is Dum method where we cook Kathal pieces to tender fork soft and layered with half cooked rice and cooked on slow flame (called Dum in local dialect).
I make Kathal Ki Biryani both ways. When I make it in my Instant Pot I make it in One Pot method. I will cover IP method in another post, here I am covering the Dum Method to make Kathal Biryani.
Ingredients to make Kathal Biryani
To prepare Kathal for Biryani
Unripe Jackfruit- Use fresh frozen or canned. I get the cut and cleaned Kathal pieces from my vegetable vendor.
Whole Spices- Bay Leaves, Cinnamon stick, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, Black and Green Cardamom, Cumin Seeds
Powdered Spices- Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Biryani Masala(homemade or store-bought), Coriander Powder. Instead of Biryani Masala you can add Garam masala, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder, 1 mace.
Herbs- Ginger, Garlic, Green Chilies(optional), Fresh Mint and Coriander/Cilantro
Curd/Yogurt- Adds to the flavour and coats the masala nicely on jackfruit pieces. Vegans can use plant based yogurt.
Oil- Mustard Oil is used in North India to cook any kathal preparation, it lends a rustic flavour to Kathal.
Checkout the recipe of Homemade Biryani Masala
To Prepare Rice
Good Quality Basmati Rice. Choose a good quality long grain rice preferably basmati rice(old variety). I use India Gate Basmati Rice.
Whole Spices- Cinnamon, Bay Leaf, Cloves, Black Pepper, Green Cardamom, Star Anise
Ghee/Oil and Salt
Other Ingredients- Fresh Mint, Barista(fried Onions for adding in biryani which give Biryani a characteristic flavour), Saffron Milk to add color and fragrance to rice grains.
How to prepare Kathal Biryani with perfect texture
Detailed Stepwise Preparation in Recipe card and Video
Marinate Kathal in oil with powdered spices and half of ginger garlic paste for about 15-20 mins. Then prepare Kathal masala.
Wash rice 3-4 times and then soak for at least 30 mins.
Meanwhile when kathal is cooking, boil rice.
Take ratio 1:3 of rice to water. Cook rice till half done, it should have some bite to it when pressed between the index finger and thumb.
Use a big vessel depending on the amount of rice using in he recipe.
In the recipe I have used 1 cup rice, which gives sufficient biryani for a family of four.
Use a heavy bottomed vessel/kadhai to cook biryani. Keep it on low flame after layering and tightly seal the lid.
Stepwise Pics to make Kathal Biryani
Pics of how to rice will be uploaded soon
Making Kathal Masala Curry for Biryani
Make Saffron Milk 
Take Clean Kathal pieces Marinate in spices Marinated Kathal pieces Add Biryani Masala in curd and mix well Heat oil in kadhai/vessel add cumin seeds, bay leaf and black cardamom Fry onions and ginger garlic paste Add whole spices Add kathal pieces and cook for 5 mins. Add yogurt Add Birista and fresh mint Cook Kathal Masala for mins.
Layering Biryani
Layer rice over half of Kathal curry and repeat the layer of curry and rice Add Barista and fresh mint leaves Add saffron milk over the top later Close the lid tightly and let it cook on slow flame for 12-15 mins Kathal/Jackfruit Biryani Ready to serve
Storing the leftover Biryani
Biryani tastes best when served hot and fresh. Store the leftovers(if any) in an air tight container and then finish it within next 2 days. You can also freeze it for about a month. Thaw a few hours before re-heating it.
You can reheat Biryani in microwave oven, with a splash of water. Add fresh herbs while serving to enhance the aroma.
Recipe Card for Kathal Dum Biryani
Kathal Biryani
Equipment
- Heavy Bottomed Vessel/Kadhai
- Mixing Bowls
- Mixing Spoon
- Ladle
- Chopping Board
- Knife
Ingredients
For Biryani Rice
- 1 Cup Basmati Rice
- 1-2 tsp Ghee/Oil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1" Cinnamon Stick
- 1-2 Green Cardamom
- 1 Star Anise
- 4-5 Cloves
- 4-5 Black Peppercorns
- 1 tsp Salt
For Kathal Curry
- 250 gms Kathal pieces(unripe) fresh/frozen/canned
- 1+2 tbsp Mustard Oil or any
- 1-2 tbsp Biryani Masala or use as preferred
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ¾ Cup Fresh Curd/Yogurt
- 1 medium Onion(Finely Chopped )
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves
- 1" Fresh Ginger
- 1-2 Green Chilies optional
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 Black Cardamom
- 1 Cinnamon (small)
- Salt as required
For Layering Biryani
- 1-2 tbsp Ghee
- ½ Cup Birista check Notes
- Handful Fresh Mint Leaves
- 4-5 Strands of Saffron
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 1 tsp Rose Water/Kewra Water as required
Instructions
Prepare Rice for Biryani
- Wash rice nicely 3-4 times.
- Soak it in enough water for at least 30 mins. You can keep it more.
- After soaking time, fill a pot with about 3-4 cups water and keep to boil.
- Once water starts to boil, drain the water in which the rice was soaked, add rice to boiling water.
- Cook rice till ¾ done or there is some uncooked rice when pressed between index finger and thumb.
- Take out the potali/spice bag, switch off the gas. Add a cup of cold water and then drain water from rice. (See Notes)
Cook Kathal Curry Masala for Biryani
- In a mixing bowl marinate Kathal pieces in 1 tbsp mustard oil(see notes), turmeric powder, red chilli powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Keep it for 15-20 mins.
- In another bowl, take curd/yogurt and add 1 tbsp biryani masala, mix well till curd is smooth.
- After marinating time is over, take kadhai or the vessel in which we will cook biryani, heat oil.
- Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, black cardamom and cumin seeds.
- Once seeds crackle, add finely chopped onions. Sauté till light pink.
- Then add marinated kathal pieces and ¼ Cup water and cook till Kathal pieces start getting soft. Check with a fork.
- Now add beaten curd and mix well coating kathal pieces. Add ¼ cup water again and let the yogurt curry cook for another 5 mins.
- Kathal Masala is ready.
Layer Biryani for Dum
- Take out half of the kathal masala in a bowl.
- Now add 1 tbsp barista and layer half rice over it, spreading it uniformly. Take care rice grains should not break.
- Now layer the rest of kathal masala pieces evenly on the rice layer.
- Add 1 tbsp birista pieces, 1 tbsp or some torn mint leaves and coriander leaves.
- Layer rest of the rice on kathal layer and top it with more birista, mint and coriander leaves.
- Add melted ghee if using in the recipe, saffron milk over the rice later.
- Cover tightly with lid or seal edges of lid with dough or place a moist kitchen towel over the tightly placed lid.
Cooking Biryani on Stove top
- Keep the kadhai/vessel on low flame. You can keep the vessel over an iron griddle.
- Cook on dum for 20 mins. After that switch off the gas and let it rest for another 15 mins before serving it.
To bake in oven
- Preheat oven at 180°C or 350°F.
- Layer Kathal and rice in an oven friendly dish.
- Cover nicely with foil.
- Bake at 180°C or 350°F, for 20 mins in preheated oven.
- Let it stand in oven for 10 mins before serving fresh and warm.
Notes
Do try this Jackfruit Biryani whenever you get some good unripe jackfruit. Make this flavorful and aromatic royal dish for your special occasion or for weekend lunch with your loved ones. I am sure you are surely going to love this Royal kinda Kathal Dum Biryani.
Do share your feedback, follow the tips and tricks in the recipe post and do reach out through comments section or mail me through contact form in case of any queries.
Say Hello!! and visit my social media accounts.. FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and You-Tube.
If you like my work, then add your email id and HIT the SUBSCRIBE button get notifications on new posts and share the blog with your loved ones.
Thanks for stopping and keep coming back!!
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth
If there is a veg biriyani I really want to try, then it is this one. It is hard to find raw jackfruit here even during season time, so I guess I just need to ensure and wait up to try making it as soon as I can... That platter of biriyani is making me drool...
Preethi Prasad
Kathal biryani looks scrumptious. Such a lovely texture of the biryani. Fabulous royal treat for all vegetarians . I can’t wait to try this recipe. My boys will surely love this aromatic biryani.
Swati
Thank you Preethi, do try it. you and your family will love it.
Sujata Roy
Kathal biryani looks so flavorful and mouthwatering Swaty. Loved your detailed recipe and click. With all the aromatic spices and mint leaves this biryani must be a crowd pleasure. Can't wait to try.
Sasmita Sahoo
Kathal Biryani is an all-time fav during summer. I eagerly wait for summer to enjoy two things, one is mango and the other is this Jackfruit. And I often make this biryani using unripe kathal.
Narmadha
One of my most favorite biryani is kathal biryani. Looking at your pictures makes me mouthwatering Swaty. It is difficult to get raw jackfruit here. Waiting to get hold of jackfruit to try this flavorful biryani.
kalyani
we recently tasted kathal ke kebab sometime in May - June. and am sure the 'meatiness' of that texture would work so well in a biryani, swaty ! fab pics too
Jayashree T.Rao
Kathal biryani looks exotic and delicious. I love jackfruit bit somehow never make any dishes with it. This is in my to do list now Swati.
Seema Sriram
I like the texture of Kathal when it is cooked. I have not however, tried the biryani with it. This dum biryani is surely on my list. Do we have to rinse off the canned one to use?
Vasusvegkitchen
Such a healthy biryani Swati, loved the detailed recipe with step by step pics. Loved to have this with papads and raita.
Anu Kollon
This jackfruit biriyani looks so flavorful and aromatic. It is perfectly cooked with fluffy rice. I never tried making this biriyani and your recipe is prompting me to try one soon.
Mayuri Patel
Swati every time I see a jackfruit recipe, I am so tempted to try it out. Your kathal biryani is added to the list. I've been made to understand that it is possible to get canned jackfruit. I have added that to my shopping list. With all the spices and herbs this biryani is so tempting.
Swati
Thank you Mayuriji canned raw jackfruit will be good to use in the recipe. Do try it whenever you get it
Shobha Keshwani
Kathal biriyani is something I have been wanting to try out since a long time. Somehow never got the chance as kathal was not available abroad. Now I have the recipe and will try it out soon. Looks very deliciou.
Swati
Thanks Shobhaji.. I know fresh Kathal is rarely available outside India but canned Kathal can also be used .. do try it, I will for your feedback
The Girl Next Door
Though I love kathal biryani, I haven't really worked with raw jackfruit before. Now, your detailed recipe with stepwise pics gives me hope!
Your biryani looks perfectly made and very delicious. I can imagine how succulent the kathal pieces would be, marinated and later cooked in dum. ?
Swati
Thanks Priya.. do try
Renu
I love kathal and a biryani with it would be loved so much, especially for the vegetarian eaters who do not have non veg. Awesome recipe
Swati
Thank you Renu
Priya Vj
I need to work with kathal after having read your post . I can only imagine how succulent and juicy the kathal pieces would have been after being cooked in dum.
Pooja Pandit
Interesting! The biryani indeed looks delicious!
Poonam bachhav
I have yet to try my hands on jack fruit. This kathal biryani sounds so rich and flavorful with all the aromatic whole spices and spice powders going in . Bookmarking your recipe to try out as soon as i get hold of raw jack fruit.
Preeti Shridhar
Your kathal Biryani has been cooked to perfection. It has such a beautiful color. It's so tempting. I can imagine succulent pieces of kathal soaked in all the flavors from spices. This is a royal treat.