Biryani masala powder is a blend of whole spices roasted and powdered. This homemade biryani spice mix not only adds a unique flavour but also lends the aroma that's required for a perfect biryani.
What is Biryani?
A world-renowned biryani is a rice dish flavoured with exotic spices and cooked with marinated vegetables/meat. Meat/vegetables are first marinated in yogurt, herbs and this biryani masala powder. Rice is cooked in a large amount of water along with whole spices, salt and little oil until 80% cooked. Rice and marinade are arranged in layers with the final layer being topped with fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron-infused milk, cooked on low flame with lid covered. This homemade biryani spice powder infuses authentic flavour and aroma to the biryani.
ESSENTIAL BIRYANI MASALA INGREDIENTS
Each spice of biryani masala ingredients has its own aroma and adds its own flavour to this homemade spice blend. Mace and nutmeg are the most common spices in biryani masala powder recipe. Both lend delicate warm and sweet flavour. Cassia bark, cardamom and cloves are the common spices used in not just biryani masala but most of the Indian spice blends. Whole coriander seeds have a slightly citrus flavour with notes of sweetness. Cumin is not only an essential spice used for tadka; it is also used for many spice blends. It lends earthy flavour to the spice mixes.
WHY SPICES ARE ROASTED?
Dry roasting spices generally removes the moisture and release oil which provides intense flavour and aroma to the dish. So it is necessary to dry roast all spices until fragrant and then grind to a powder.
How to store spice blends?
Any homemade spice powder stays fresh and aromatic for around 4 months when stored in a clean and dry airtight jar in a cupboard away from direct sunlight. Later they gradually lose their flavour and aroma.
Consider storing in a fridge or freezer to maximise their shelf life. Ensure to store properly in an airtight container or zip lock bags to prevent moisture trapping in the container.
How to tell if spice mix is fresh?
Intensity of aroma and flavour determines the freshness of the biryani masala powder.
Fresh spice mix would have a strong aroma and bright colour.
If the homemade spice mix has a weak aroma, then probably they won’t taste best either.
The absence of aroma and flavour indicates it’s time to get rid of it.
Watch how to make biryani masala recipe
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Ingredients
Instructions
Crush nutmeg in a mortar-pestle.
Dry roast coriander seeds and cumin on medium-low flame for 2 minutes or until fragrant, then transfer to a plate.
In the same pan, roast cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, mace for a minute just until fragrant and transfer them to the plate.
Finally, fry roast poppy seeds for a minute and turn off the heat.
Allow the spices to cool down completely and grind them to powder.
Store in a sterilised airtight glass jar and use as required.
Notes
Roast spices just until fragrant and ensure spices do not change the colour.
Roast the spices on a medium-low flame to avoid over roasting or burning the spices. Keep stirring frequently.
Biryani masala powder remains fresh for around 4 months, later it loses its aroma gradually. As I prepare biryani regularly I usually make a big batch sufficient to last for nearly 3 months. If you do not intend to make biryani regularly I suggest making a small batch.
More homemade spice blend recipes
Biryani Masala Powder | Biryani Spice Blend
Ingredients
1 cup = 250ml ; 1 tbsp = 15ml ; 1 tsp =5ml
- 1 cup (or) 77 gms Coriander Seeds
- 2 tbsp (or) 17 gms Cumin
- 1 tbsp (or) 7 gms Cloves
- 10 pieces Cinnamon each stick 1 inch
- 5 Star Anise
- 6 Green Cardamom
- 4 Nutmeg
- 2 Mace
- ¼ cup (or) 39 gms Poppy Seeds
Instructions
- Crush nutmeg in a mortar-pestle.
- Dry roast coriander seeds and cumin on medium low heat for 2 minutes or until fragrant, transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, roast cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, mace for a minute or until fragrant and transfer them to the plate.
- Finally dry roast poppy seeds for a minute and turn off the heat.
- Allow the spices to cool down completely and grind them to a powder.
- Store in an sterilised air tight glass jar and use as required.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Related recipes
Chettinad Masala 
Bisi Bele Bath Masala
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Homemade masala are the best in flavor !!! So beautifully you have explained here dear 🙂 THanks much for the share
I am please to know you like this recipe.
Homemade de powder are always best and we know what ingredients go in it. Biryani powder looks flavourful. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like the recipe.
This is such an essential spice mix for us Indians. Powerful in flavour. Have never attempted to make one, will try soon.
Plz do try and let me know how it turned out.
What a lovely idea to make Biryani masala at home, you know exactly what gone into the recipe.
Thank you.
It is handy to have this masala at home, making biryani will be a breeze. Lovely share.
Thank you...
Homemade masala are the best...it gives the dish the ultimate flavor...you have amazingly explained
Thank you Latiya 🙂
Nothing beats homemade spice mix blends, they sure have a far superior aroma and flavor than any store-bought stuff! Great recipe 🙂
Thank you Freda 🙂
It’s a keeper recipe as I always different spices for my pulaos and biryanis.. will surely try this ...
Plz do try and let me know how it turned out Swati.
Most loved masala in the Indian menu for sure is this biriyani masala. I will pass it on to a friend who was planning to make some. Thanks
Thank you 🙂
I've never made my own biriyani powder! TYhis post is temping me to try it!! Thanks for the share
I hope you do try this recipe and let me know how you like it. Thank you.
Homemade Biryani masala must be very flavourful and delicious . Loved your recipe and video too. lovely share ..
Indeed it is very flavourful and biryani turns out very aromatic and tasty everytime I use this spice blend. Glad you liked the recipe and video Ruchi.. 🙂
Always use store bought biryani masala. Freshly ground homemade masala is always best. Sounds so aromatic. Superb share.
Thank you 🙂
Nothing beats the flavors of homemade masalas! Not only can you control the type of spice that goes into it, you are sure that it is not contaminated with chemicals and unwanted preservatives that are harmful! Thanks for sharing this beautiful homemade garam masala spice mix recipe 🙂
very well said Vaniitha I totally agree with you.
Nothing can beat a flavourful and aromatic rich homemade spices powders by urself.I love to make spice powders myself and this briyani masala powder looks incredible.
Asolutely true!!! nothing can eat homemade spice blends. Glad you like this recipe.
I've not used a special biryani masala for my biryanis.. just put spices together whenever I need to. This recipe is really nice, home made masala that I can store too and use whenever I need it.
Glad you like this recipe Mayuri.
Homemade biryani masala is a good idea. I always prefer to make as and when required. I am bookmarking this recipe.
Wonderful share
Thank you. Making ahead a small batch of these masala saves us lot of time .
Love this detailed post about biryani masala... homemade masala is always good
Thank you 🙂