Description
The Magic of Seeraga Samba Rice
Seeraga Samba rice is known for its small, aromatic grains that absorb flavors deeply, making it the perfect choice for biryani. Unlike Basmati, this rice creates a denser, more flavorful texture, enhancing the coastal spice profile of the prawns.
Prawns – The Star of the Dish
Unlike traditional biryanis, this dish uses spiced, pan-fried prawns instead of raw marinated ones. The quick-frying process locks in the juices, ensuring a tender, smoky, and flavorful bite. These golden, spice-coated prawns are then layered with rice for a rich, seafood-infused biryani experience.
Slow-Cooked to Perfection
The prawns and rice are slow-cooked on Dum, allowing the masalas to penetrate deeply into the rice. Each layer is infused with saffron, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and ghee, creating a deep, aromatic taste.
A Coastal Biryani Like No Other
This biryani brings together the boldness of Andhra coastal spices, the fragrant beauty of Tamil Nadu’s Seeraga Samba rice, and the tender goodness of pan-fried prawns, making it one of the finest seafood biryanis you’ll ever taste.
For the Prawn Fry:
- Fresh prawns (cleaned & deveined)
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Black pepper powder
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Garam masala
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Lemon juice
- Curry leaves
- Mustard seeds
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Fresh mint leaves
- Oil for frying
For the Biryani Rice:
- Seeraga Samba rice
- Whole spices (bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise)
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk
- Ghee
- Salt
For Layering and Dum Cooking:
- Fried onions (Birista)
- Saffron milk
- Ghee
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves
- Kewra water (optional for aroma)
For Serving:
- Onion raita
- Brinjal curry (ennai kathirikai)
- Mirchi ka salan (spicy chili curry)
1. High in Lean Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair while being low in fat.
2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Prawns contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and brain function.
3. Good for Digestion
Seeraga Samba rice is known for its lightness and easy digestibility, making this biryani nourishing and satisfying without heaviness.
4. Boosts Immunity
Spices like turmeric, garlic, and black pepper help enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.
5. Supports Weight Management
Prawns are low in calories and high in essential minerals, making this biryani a balanced and nutritious meal.
A Legacy of Coastal Cuisine
Prawn biryani has its roots in South Indian coastal cuisine, where fresh seafood is the heart of many traditional dishes. This variation is inspired by the Andhra and Tamil Nadu styles, which use bold spices, curry leaves, and mustard seeds for a fiery yet aromatic twist.
Seeraga Samba – The Preferred Rice for Authentic Biryani
Unlike Basmati rice, Seeraga Samba rice is native to Tamil Nadu and has been used in biryanis for centuries. This rice absorbs the masala completely, giving the dish a rich, deep flavor that is unique to Tamil Muslim and Chettinad biryanis.
A Unique Twist with Pan-Fried Prawns
Traditional biryanis often use raw marinated meat, but this version pan-fries the prawns first to create a smoky, spiced, and crispy texture before layering them with rice. This technique enhances the flavor depth, making this biryani a standout dish in coastal cuisine.
