Craving biryani? Make it at home

By the FeedMeNot team. Updated 3 November 2026.

Why you crave it

Biryani is a mix of fragrance, fat, salt and a slightly smoky heat, which is why one plate rarely feels like enough. The craving is usually for the aroma of whole spices and fried onions as much as the rice. If you rebuild those two things at home, the plate gets very close.

Before you order: take the 20 minute pause

A craving usually peaks and fades. Start the craving timer and rate the urge. If it is still strong after twenty minutes, this recipe is a better answer than a delivery order, and you will have a hot meal ready in about the same time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
• 250 g chicken pieces or 2 cups mixed vegetables (cauliflower, carrot, beans, peas)
• 3 tbsp thick curd
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1.5 tsp biryani masala or garam masala
• Whole spices: 2 cloves, 2 cardamoms, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf
• Handful of mint and coriander, salt, 3 tbsp oil or ghee

Method

1. Heat the oil in the cooker and fry the sliced onion until deep golden. Take out half and keep it aside for the top.
2. Add the whole spices, then the ginger garlic paste, and cook for a minute.
3. Add the chicken or vegetables with curd, biryani masala, salt and half the mint and coriander. Stir for 2 minutes.
4. Drain the rice and spread it over the top. Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water, taste the water for salt, and scatter the kept onion and remaining herbs on top.
5. Close the lid and cook on high for one whistle with chicken, or two with vegetables, then switch off.
6. Let the pressure drop on its own for 10 minutes before opening. Fluff gently with a fork.

What this costs compared with delivery

The home cost above is a rough range for the ingredients, based on typical retail prices. Delivery apps add fees, taxes and often a tip on top of the dish price. To see what your own habit costs over a year, use the food delivery cost calculator, or compare one meal in the delivery vs home cooking calculator.

Common questions

More craving swaps

• Craving butter chicken and naan? Easy butter chicken with tawa rotis
• Craving pizza? Tawa pizza on roti or pita
• Craving burger? Crispy aloo tikki burger
• All craving swaps