The vibrant metropolis of Kolkata has acquainted us with culinary treasures that occupy a revered nook in our hearts. One such culinary gem is Kolkata Biryani, which is held pricey not simply by Kolkatans however meals connoisseurs worldwide. Nevertheless, the story behind this beautiful dish transcends its aromatic rice, succulent meat, and the star of the present – the common-or-garden ‘aloo’ (potato). In distinction to prevailing notions, the incorporation of potatoes into Kolkata Biryani didn’t come up from mere necessity however fairly from a stroke of culinary brilliance.
Also Read: Learn The Art Of Making Biryani With These 4 Easy Steps

A Culinary Marvel Rooted in History 

Often thought to be an ingenious creation of the biryani household, Kolkata Biryani is exclusive in its personal proper. It’s usually whispered amongst meals aficionados that this specific biryani shares greater than only a passing resemblance to the Persian Pulao. In Iran and its neighbouring areas, pulaos are recognized to characteristic the common-or-garden potato, and a delicate rogan infusion brings these dishes to life. On a parallel observe, the mystique surrounding Kolkata Biryani’s allure is hid inside its meticulously slow-cooked rogan, which is painstakingly extracted by 5-6 hours of affected person meat frying, staging a symphony of beautiful flavours. 

But why the potato, you ask? The generally held perception is that potatoes have been added to Kolkata Biryani as a cheap different to meat by the bawarchis of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh – a ruler with a major affect on Kolkata’s culinary heritage. As we delve deeper into historical past, we uncover that this notion was nothing however a British fabrication geared toward defaming Indian rulers.
Also Read: 15 Best Biryani Recipes You Can Try At Home

Unravelling the Nawab’s Influence 

The fact emerges by the revelations of Shahanshah Mirza, the great-great-grandson of Wajid Ali Shah. Mirza, a senior GST officer within the Ministry of Finance, reveals the actual story behind the potato’s journey to Kolkata. When the Nawab of Awadh arrived in Calcutta in 1856 with hopes of reclaiming his kingdom, he could not have foreseen the flip of occasions. His goals have been shattered by the eruption of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which diverted the British’s consideration away from his case. Shah was arrested and detained in Fort William for 26 months. Upon his launch, he selected to reside in Calcutta’s Metiabruz, and that is when the magic occurred. 
 

The Portuguese Culinary Gift 

Metiabruz remodeled right into a cultural hub as cooks, musicians, hakims, and the general public flocked to the world in response to Shah’s presence. It turned a mini Lucknow, replete with the wealthy culinary traditions of Awadh. It was right here that the introduction of potatoes to Kolkata Biryani occurred. It was within the early sixteenth century when the Portuguese first launched Indians to a treasure trove of unique substances. Among their culinary items have been three treasures – potatoes, chillies, and tomatoes. Little did they know that these international arrivals have been about to embark on a journey that may endlessly rework the panorama of Indian delicacies.  
 

The Humble Potato’s Remarkable Journey 

Following this, English merchants introduced potatoes to Bengal, and due to their restricted cultivation, it was thought-about unique and uncommon. One day, a bawarchi within the courtroom of Wajid Ali Shah in Metiabruz determined to experiment by including potatoes to the biryani, which was cooked within the dum-pukht style – a way the place the lid is sealed to entice the aromas and flavours. The consequence was a revelation! The potatoes absorbed the saffron, spices, and meat juices, enhancing the dish’s style and texture. When it was served to the Nawab, he was fascinated by its deliciousness. He insisted that potatoes be a everlasting fixture within the dish, and thus, a legendary culinary masterpiece got here into being. As phrase unfold, nobles and households throughout Kolkata started including potatoes to their biryani, and it turned an integral a part of town’s culinary heritage. Fortunately, the revelations dropped at gentle by Shahanshah Mirza led us to the precise fact, dispelling the notion of poverty and necessity perpetuated by the British. It was revealed that Wajid Ali Shah lived a snug life, receiving a considerable pension, and even leaving a exceptional legacy because the founding father of the world’s first open zoo.  

Fast ahead to the current day, numerous biryani giants within the metropolis have embraced this culinary innovation of incorporating potatoes into their biryanis. The subsequent time you bask in a plate of Kolkata Biryani, pause for a second to precise gratitude to the Nawab and his visionary cooks, who gifted us this culinary masterpiece.  

About the writer: Azra Asher Ather is the Director of Sales, Aminia.