πŸ—πŸŒΆοΈ Ambur Star Chicken Biryani

(Authentic Tamil Nadu Style)

A fiery, fragrant, deep-red Tamil Nadu biryani made with seeraga samba rice, dried red chilli paste,

onions, curd, and simple whole spices β€” bold, rustic, unforgettable.

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️ 🌢️ High

Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Serves: 4–6
Calories (approx): ~460 kcal per serving

πŸ› One Pot, Thousand Stories

🌿 Introduction

Ambur Biryani β€” from the famous β€œStar Hotel” in Tamil Nadu β€” is unlike any other biryani.
It is fiery red, onion-rich, chilli-forward, and incredibly simple,
relying not on layers or complicated masalas but on one thing:
A perfectly made dried red chilli paste.
This biryani is rustic, bold, and deeply satisfying β€” every grain infused with heat,
tang, and the smoky soul of Tamil Nadu.

β€œA biryani where chilli leads the way, and flavor follows in blazing harmony.”

πŸ—πŸŒΆοΈ Ambur Star Chicken Biryani

(Authentic Tamil Nadu Style)

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

Authentic Ambur Red Chilli Paste

  • 12–15 Dried red chilies (Kashmiri for color + Guntur for heat, mixed)

  • Hot water (to soak)

(Soak 15 mins β†’ grind to a smooth paste.)

Chicken Base

  • 700 g Chicken, bone-in preferred

  • 4 tbsp Oil or ghee

  • 2 large Onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste

  • Β½ cup Curd (unsweetened)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Whole spices:

    • 1 Bay leaf

    • 4 Cloves

    • 4 Cardamom

    • 1 small Cinnamon stick

  • Mint leaves β€” Β½ cup

  • Cilantro β€” Β½ cup

Rice

  • 2 cups Seeraga Samba rice (soaked 15–20 mins)

  • 3Β½ cups Water

Garnish

  • Mint + cilantro

  • A drizzle of ghee (optional but lovely)

🍽️ Instructions

  • 1. Make Authentic Red Chilli Paste

    Soak dried red chilies in hot water.
    Grind into a smooth, fiery paste.

    2. Fry Whole Spices + Onions

    Heat oil/ghee.
    Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.
    Add onions β†’ fry until golden edges appear.

    3. Add Ginger-Garlic + Chilli Paste

    Add ginger-garlic β†’ sautΓ©.
    Add the     entire red chilli paste β†’ fry until oil separates.

    4. Add Tomatoes + Chicken

    Add tomatoes β†’ cook down.
    Add chicken + salt β†’ cook until chicken is sealed and light brown.

    5. Add Curd + Herbs

    Add curd β†’ mix well to balance heat.
    Add mint + cilantro.

    6. Add Rice + Water (Absorption Method)

    Add drained seeraga samba rice.
    Pour water.
    Mix gently.

    7. One-Pot Cooking

    • High flame: 3 mins

    • Medium flame: 10 mins

    • Low flame: 10–12 mins

    Rest covered 5 mins.

    8. Serve

    Fluff gently, garnish, and enjoy the fiery aroma.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Serve with onion raita, lemon wedges, and sliced onions.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

Ambur biryani is simple at heart β€” a worker’s biryani, a traveler’s biryani, a biryani of the everyday.

Red chilli is its soul, and seeraga samba its breath.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Use Seeraga Samba rice fir its unique texture in this Ambur Biryani .

  • Why red chilli paste?
    This is what makes Ambur biryani authentic β€” not powders.

  • Is it supposed to be fiery?
    Yes β€” but curd balances it beautifully.

  • Why no layering?
    Ambur is traditionally a one-pot biryani.

  • Can I reduce the chilies?
    Yes, but you’ll lose authenticity β€” adjust with curd instead.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories 460

  • Protein 28g

  • Carbs 55g

  • Fat 14g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

A bold, fiery biryani where simplicity shines β€” Ambur Biryani proves that chilli, onions, and seeraga samba can create magic.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

πŸ’¬ I’d Love to Hear From You!

Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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