Authentic Tumkur Donne Biryani

Name: Tumkur Chicken Biryani: Donne Biryani Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: Chicken – 1.5 kg; Oil – 9–10 tbsp; Cinnamon sticks – 2; Green cardamoms – 4; Cloves – 3; Onions – 12, thinly sliced; Tomatoes – 4, chopped; Green chilies – 10; Red chili paste – 2 tbsp; Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp; Mint leaves – 1 cup; Fresh coriander leaves – 1 cup, chopped; Turmeric powder – ½ tsp; Curd (yogurt) – 2 cups; Lemons – 2 (juice); Salt – to taste; Basmati rice – 4 cups; Water – as required; Cinnamon sticks – 2; Green cardamoms – 2; Cloves – 2; Oil – 1 tsp; Salt – to taste

Authentic Tumkur Chicken Biryani - Fresh Byte Kitchen

Ingredients

For the Chicken Masala:
Chicken – 1.5 kg
Oil – 9–10 tbsp
Cinnamon sticks – 2
Green cardamoms – 4
Cloves – 3
Onions – 12, thinly sliced
Tomatoes – 4, chopped
Green chilies – 10
Red chili paste – 2 tbsp
Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp
Mint leaves – 1 cup
Fresh coriander leaves – 1 cup, chopped
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Curd (yogurt) – 2 cups
Lemons – 2 (juice)
Salt – to taste
For the Rice:
Basmati rice – 4 cups
Water – as required
Cinnamon sticks – 2
Green cardamoms – 2
Cloves – 2
Oil – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste

Difficulty : Medium

Serves : 10

This Authentic Tumkur Chicken Biryani is a flavorful Karnataka-style Donne Biryani made with juicy chicken, fragrant basmati rice, fresh mint, coriander, curd, and aromatic whole spices. Slow-cooked on dum, this biryani is packed with rich flavors and is perfect for family meals, festive occasions, and weekend gatherings. Serve it hot with raita for a delicious restaurant-style experience at home.

Cooking Steps

1
Heat 9–10 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 green cardamoms, and 3 cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
2
Add 12 thinly sliced onions and fry until they turn golden brown.
3
Add 4 chopped tomatoes and 10 green chillies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
4
Add 2 tbsp red chilli paste and mix well. Then add 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
5
Add the mint leaves and ½ tsp turmeric powder. Mix well. Add 2 cups curd and mix until well combined. Pour in the juice of 2 lemons, add the chopped coriander leaves, and mix everything thoroughly.
6
Add 1.5 kg chicken and salt to taste. Mix well and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the masala thickens.
7
Wash 4 cups basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
8
In another pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 green cardamoms, 2 cloves, a little oil, and salt.
9
Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it is 80% done. Drain the rice completely.
10
Add the cooked rice to the chicken masala and gently mix. Drizzle a little oil over the top.
11
Cover the pot tightly and cook on dum (low heat) for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tumkur biryani different?

Tumkur (Donne) biryani is cooked with lots of mint and coriander, giving it a greenish colour and fresh, herby flavour, and is traditionally served in a leaf bowl called a donne.

Why use so many onions?

The onions fried until golden form the base of the masala and give the biryani its sweetness and body. Fry them slowly so they brown evenly without burning.