Yakhni Pulao Masala Recipe: How to Make Authentic Restaurant-Style Yakhni Pulao at Home.

yakhni pulao

⏳ Reading Time: 6 minutes

Yakhni Pulao is among the most decadent and aromatic dishes in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it is dripping with history. It is known for its basmati rice, slow-cooked meat broth (yakhni), and perfectly blended Yakhni Pulao Masala. Unlike traditional biryanis, Yakhni Pulao has a unique blend of flavors that make it stand out. For festive gatherings or family dinners, this restaurant-style Yakhni Pulao recipe will help you prepare an authentic and delicious meal for your loved ones.

The History of Yakhni Pulao

The Yakhni Pulao performance came from Persia and Central Asia, where yakhni meat was served alongside rice. Its broth and palate have changed with time according to the regions that it has traveled to like Indian subcontinent or southern Asia; it integrated itself into the Mughlai and Awadhi cuisines and transformed into the Yakhni Pulao that we know today. The term ” Yakhni” describes the meat broth with whole spices of Yakhni Pulao while fragrant Yakhni Pulao Masala spices it up further making it distinct from other pulao types.

Ingredients & Recipe

Unlock the essence of royal indulgence with Shahi Riwayat's Yakhni Pulao Masala. Immerse your senses in the aromatic symphony of our specially crafted blend, meticulously curated to elevate your Yakhni Pulao to regal heights.

Each pinch of our masala encapsulates the richness of Mughalai flavors, ensuring that every serving is a feast fit for royalty. Let Shahi Riwayat be the secret ingredient in your culinary repertoire, transforming every meal into a celebration of tradition and taste.

yakhni pulao masala


To Prepare Yakhni Pulao:

  • Meat – 1 kg
  • Onions – 4, chopped
  • Tomatoes – 3, chopped
  • Potatoes – 4 big, cubed
  • Salt – to taste
  • Garlic Paste – 2 tbsp
  • Ginger Paste – 3 tbsp
  • Chopped Coriander Leaves
  • Green Chilli – 6-7, slit
  • Rice – 750 g (4 cups), soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • Oil / Ghee – ¾ cup
  • Chana Dal – ¼ cup, soaked
  • Curd – 200 g
  • Water – 4 cups
  • 1 packet Shahi Riwayat Yakhni Pulao Masala


Steps to make delicious Yakhni Pulao:

Chef's tip: For best results, cook as per the steps mentioned above.

Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions till golden, add ginger garlic paste and saute well. Add in tomatoes and sauté until tomatoes get cooked. Add green chillies, meat and sauté on low flame. Add curd and cook on medium heat until oil separates.

Add soaked chana dal, potatoes, a pinch of salt, half cup water and cook until mutton is almost tender. Add 1 packet of Shahi Riwayat Yakhni Pulao Masala and sauté for a couple of minutes. Now add water and bring it to a boil, adjust salt and mix well.

Add in soaked rice and cook covered on medium heat until rice is cooked and the water has evaporated. Delicious Yakhni Pulao is ready to be served. Garnish with fried onions and chopped coriander leaves.

The Best Tips for Yakhni Pulao

  • Aged basmati rice is a must for the best texture.
  • For better taste, marinate meat with yogurt and spices beforehand.
  • For the most genuine flavor, use homemade Yakhni Pulao Masala.
  • For better flavor, let the pulao sit for 10 minutes after cooking.

Yakhni Pulao Variations

  • Vegetable Yakhni Pulao: Swap the meat for mushrooms or paneer.
  • Spicy Yakhni Pulao: To make it more spicy, add extra green chilis.
  • Low-Calorie Yakhni Pulao: Reduce ghee and switch from white rice to brown rice.

The Secret to Perfect Yakhni Pulao: The Right Yakhni Pulao Masala

What Importance Does Yakhni Pulao Masala Hold

The Yakhni Pulao is majorly defined by its masala. A flavorful Yakhni Pulao masala will not only boost the taste of the gravy, but also improve the quality of the dish. In the absence of an appropriate masala, the pulao’s flavor would more often than not be insipid or lacking.

What are the Key Components of Yakhni Pulao Masala

A good Yakhni Pulao Masala includes:

  • Fennel Seeds - It has a sweet fragrance.
  • Cinnamon – Gives comforting flavors and warmth.
  • Black Peppercorns – It presents with a gentle form of heat.
  • Cardamoms (Green & Black) – An aid to the fragrance.
  • Bay Leaves – it lends an earthly aroma.

Nutmeg & Mace – It has traces of sweet flavor.

What Purchasing Tips Will Help Find The Best Yakhni Pulao Masala

  • Check the Spice Quality – The freshest, whole spices are found to provide better masala.
  • Read Ingredient Labels – Avoid anything containing artificial flavoring or preservatives.
  • Grind Your Own Masala –A local masala has better chances of being fresh and more flavorful.

What is The Best Way To Preserve Yakhni Pulao Masala

  • Ensure there is no moisture entering the airtight container.
  • Store them at a cooler temperature away from light to maintain their freshness.
  • For best results in flavor use within six months of the purchase.
  • Dry roast the ingredients and grind them together into a powder, then store it in an airtight container.

A delicious Yakhni Pulao is rooted deep in the flavorful Yakhni Pulao Masala. The spices do not change regardless if you buy them off the shelf or blend them at home, what is important is their quality. If the Yakhni Pulao Masala is made well, your dish will always be rich in flavor, aromatic, and packed with authentic Yakhni Pulao Masala. The more blends you try, the better your Yakhni Pulao will become, until it is finally fit for a restaurant chef.

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