Malabar chicken biryani (Malabar kozhi biryani)

Malabar chicken biryani is a special style of biryani that originates from the Malabar region in India's state of Kerala, located along the country's southwestern coast. What's really special about it is the use of aromatic, short-grain rice kaima, which provides a distinctive texture and taste.

The chicken in this biryani is marinated in spices and dahi, infusing it with a deep, succulent flavor. The blend of aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and fennel seeds gives this biryani its unique, mildly sweet profile. Malabar chicken biryani is traditionally prepared "dum" style, which involves layering partially cooked rice and marinated chicken in a pot, sealing it, and then letting it slow-cook over a low flame.

This method allows all the flavors to permeate the rice, resulting in an incredibly aromatic dish. The dish is served with raita or pickles.