Short Read (For those on the go)
Le Meridien, Delhi is organizing a Biryani festival which has something for everyone. From the classic Lamb to the exotic Morels, from the vegetarian Jackfruit to the healthy Quinoa. The festival is up until 7th February 2016. Prices range from INR 1395 – INR 1895++.
Long Read
The word Biryani always brings palate tingling mouth watering pictures to the mind. With the Awadhi style Biryani in the North to the Hyderabadi styled Biryani in the south along with the Murshidabadi Biryani in the East, the fight over which one is better will continue to rage. But before we delve further, a small peek into the history of this complex dish.
The origin of the dish is uncertain with two theories holding forte. The first one being that Biryani was created in the Muslim Kitchens of North India centred around Delhi (Mughlai cuisine), Lucknow (Awadhi cuisine) and other small principalities. The second theory that exists is that it originated in South India, where rice is more widely used as a staple food, an offshoot of the Pulao brought from the Persian traders. The original Pulao is speculated to be a meal of foot soldiers who in the absence of elaborate meals, cooked up a rice dish with any meat available locally. The most essential points that differentiate between a Pulao and a Biryani is that in biryani meat and rice are cooked separately before being layered and cooked together while the former is a single-pot dish where meat and rice are simmered in a liquid until the liquid is absorbed. Another one being the use of stronger spices in the latter.
Now, most of us Delhiites will swear by one Biryani place that we can kill for. Eau De Monsoon at Le Meridien, Delhi is organising a festival as a tribute to this dish. Going upto the 7th of February, the Biryani festival includes some classics like the Lamb(INR 1495) and the Chicken(INR 1495) but there are also some exotic renditions with a Prawn(INR 1495) and Morels(INR 1495). Vegetarians also have something to rejoice with a terrific Three Mushroom(INR 1395) and Soya and Jalapeno(INR 1395). Even the health nuts have an option with a Quinoa(INR 1395). Combined with a perfectly sour Salaan and a slightly sweet yet acidic Raita, the Biryanis churn out flavours that eke out each one of your tastebuds.
Under the stewardship of Executive Chef Davinder Kumar, the kitchens at Eau De Monsoon are turning out some truly delectable Biryanis as the weather catches a bit of warmth. So this February, head over to Eau De Monsoon, Le Meridien Delhi to have your fix of your favourite flavour.
