Biryani

Noida: Random House, India, 2010. Book. Illus. by Menon, Anushka Nadia. Good. Hardcover. First Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. 200 pages. It is not often that one finds the classic versions, subtle, refined, and delicately flavoured. Pratibha Karan gives us not just the definitive recipes from these regions but unearths rare and old dishes such as a biryani made with oranges, Rose Biryani and Kebab Biryani. In the south, the biryani has an equally distinguished lineage, if not more so. There are the blueblooded biryanis of Hyderabad which include gems such as the Doodh ki Biryani, Keeme ki biryani and Bater ki biryani. Away from the royal courts, the biryani has adapted itself into a spicy local delicacy in Tamil Nadu, with many towns like Salem, Aambur, Dindigul boasting of their own signature version of the dish. Kerala too is home to many - a prawn biryani spiced with curry leaves and aniseed, a mutton one laced with star anise. There are as many stunning variations in the east and west-Goan biryanis using vinegar and olives; unusual dishes from the Parsi and Sindhi communities. Top right hand corner of front board is bumped, and there is a very neat inscription to top edge of page 118, not affecting contents..