It is no surprise why Indian recipes are world-recognized; they are mouth-watering, healthy, and full of flavors. We are all familiar with popular dishes like Dhokla, Chole Bhature, Biryani, and Idli Dosa; however, there are still various dishes that are not known to the world but are incredibly tasty and heavenly. One such dish is Kuska Rice or Kuska Biryani.
While most people mistake Kuska rice for biryani, but it is totally different in flavors, taste, and making. So, let’s start this blog with an introduction to this tastiest South Indian delicacy.
Keep reading this blog to know everything about this hidden and super tasty dish, alongside what makes it different from Biryani, and lastly, get a step-by-step Kuska rice recipe that will make your family lick their plates.
An Introduction to Kuska Rice Recipe
Kuska, pronounced as Khuska, Khusqa or Khushka refers to dry in Urdu. Therefore, Kuska rice is basically something like a simple dry rice recipe with no meat and vegetables in it. This simple yet tasty South Indian dish is made with three easy-to-find ingredients – basmati rice, plenty of different spices, and ghee (purified butter).
As this dish doesn’t require vegetables or meat in its preparation, it is often referred to as ‘Empty’ or ‘MT’ biryani. The true essence of Kuska rice lies in the spices that add to its taste and flavor. These spices include caraway seeds (shahi jeera), cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, mace, black pepper, tej patta (Indian bay leaf), etc.
However, the list of spices that add its flavor is not just limited to this. There are some fresh ingredients required like onions, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, etc. It is often served with Raita and Salan (spiced curry).
Difference Between Kuska and Biryani
The biggest difference between Biryani and Kuska is that the former is a world-recognized recipe, while the latter is a hidden recipe that is limited to Indians only. This delicious dish is served in several hotels and restaurants in India, paired with spicy gravy called Salan.
One more thing that makes Kuska different from Biryani is that it has no layering of gravy and chicken/vegetable like a classic biryani. However, there is also a similarity between the two and that is both are prepared in a pot or pan.
Kuska rice is a great alternative to the old plain streamed rice recipe and can be consumed with gravies like spiced Korma, raitas, plan curd, shorba, or even with lentils.
You can make Kuska rice recipes in different ways. However, long-grain basmati rice is recommended for added taste and flavor.
Over time, people have developed their own version of Kuska rice, and some restaurants in South India are still serving this dish in its original preparations with the use of spices, herbs, and seasoning while also retaining the white color of rice.
How to Make Kuska Rice/Biryani?
As one of the quickest recipes, the preparation for Kuska Biryani won’t take hours to complete. However, all you need is the required ingredients for the recipe. And try to add all the below listed ingredients in the making as skipping even a single spice may impact its real flavor and taste. So, let’s start this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 Bay Leaf (tej patta)
- 1-inch Cinnamon (Dalchini)
- 3 pods of Cardamom (Elachi)
- 1 piece Star Anise
- 5 Cloves (Laung)
- ½ tsp Fennel (Saunf)
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- ¼ tsp Turmeric (Haldi)
- ½ tsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (Degi Mirch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Biryani Masala
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Curd/Yoghurt whisk
- 1 tsp Ginger/Garlic paste
- 1 Green Chilli slit
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Mint (Pudina) finely chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander finely chopped
- 1 cup Basmati Rice (Soaked for 20 minutes)
- 2 cups Water
Cooking Info
- Course: Biryani/Plain Rice
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Servings: 2
Step-by-step Instructions for Kuska Recipe
1). Take 1 cup (215 grams) of long-grain basmati rice and wash the m until the water runs out all the starch in it. Now, soak them in water for over 20-30 minutes. The soaking time is crucial so it is better not to over or underdo this.
2). In a pot or pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee or oil.
3). When ghee gets hot, add the following dry spices in it and cook them until their crackling sound stops.
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (shahi jeera)
- 2 to 3 cloves
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon
- 1 tej patta (Indian bay leaf)
- 1 to 2 single strands of mace
4). Now, add thinly sliced onions to the spices.
5). Saute the onion on medium heat until it turns golden brown.
6). Once onions get their desired color, add ginger garlic paste. Stir and saute the spices on low flame until their raw aroma goes away.
7). Now, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. However, you can skip this step.
8). The next step is to add sliced green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, and chopped mint leaves.
9). Add 2 cups of water. You can also add vegetable stock for added flavors.
10). Cover the pot with a lid and lower the flame to bring it to a boil.
11). Remove the lid to see whether the water starts boiling. If yes, add rice to the mixture.
12). Now add salt as per your taste. You can taste to add more spices.
13). This is an optional step. Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice. It will keep each rice grain separated.
14). Now, place a kitchen towel or make a wheat dough. Seal the pan from all around with the dough to let it cook under its own vapor.
15). Keep the flame low or medium for 7 to 8 minutes.
16). Now, turn off the gas and let the rice rest for more than 10 minutes.
17). Now, fluff the biryani with a fork or spoon and add finely chopped coriander and mint leaves. Finally, serve this delicious dish with raita, curd, dal, or korma.
Expert Tips for Cooking Restaurant-style Kuska Rice
While cooking Kuska biryani, you should consider following some useful tips that help cut down the cooking time and add to the flavor and taste of the dish. Here are some expert tips you can follow:
- You can use any type of rice for this recipe, but basmati rice with long grains is the best choice. In some parts of South India, like Tamil Nadu, short-grain rice varieties, such as sewerage samba rice, are also used.
- Make sure to adjust the amount of water according to the type of rice you are using, so that the rice is cooked perfectly and not too mushy or too dry.
- You can enhance the flavor of this Kuska recipe by using vegetable stock instead of water to cook the rice.
- If you want to make this dish vegan, you can replace ghee with oil. I personally prefer ghee as it adds more richness and aroma to the rice.
- You can skip adding the tomatoes in this recipe if you don’t have them or don’t like them.
- If you don’t have shahi jeera or caraway seeds in your pantry, you can use regular jeera or cumin seeds instead.
- You can also add homemade biryani masala for this recipe or buy one from the online or offline grocery store.
Ending Notes
Well! This is the easiest Kuska biryani recipe with some easy-to-find ingredients. This simple yet flavorful recipe is something you can prepare during family gatherings, office lunches, etc.
There is a saying that no one can replace Biryani, and we totally agree with it. But one thing is certain this delicious Kuska rice recipe will surely crave you for more.
FAQs
Can You Eat Kuska?
Yes, you can eat Kuska. It is a type of rice dish that is popular in South India. Kuska rice is a simple, spiced rice dish made without any meat or vegetables. It is often served with curries or raita and is known for its aromatic flavor. The dish is made using basmati rice and a variety of spices, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
What are the Benefits of Kuska?
Kuska rice offers several health benefits. It is typically made with basmati rice, which is low in fat and a good source of carbohydrates. The spices used in Kuska, such as turmeric, cumin, and cloves, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall health. Additionally, the dish is easy to digest and can be a good option for those looking for a light yet flavorful meal.
Where Does Kuska Rice Come from?
Kuska rice, also known as plain biryani, originates from South India. It is believed to have come from the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The dish is a simpler version of biryani, made without meat or vegetables, and is often served as a quick and easy alternative to traditional biryani.
What is Kushka Made of?
Kushka, or Kuska rice, is made from basmati rice and various spices. The key ingredients include turmeric, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, green cardamom, star anise, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Other essential ingredients are onions, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, ghee or oil, and water or broth. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and aromatic rice dish.
Which State Made Kuska Biryani?
Kuska biryani is believed to have originated in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is a popular dish in these regions and is often served as a quick and easy alternative to traditional biryani. The dish has become a staple in many households due to its simplicity and delicious flavor.