🪔 Diwali gifting? See our Diwali Spice Gift Boxes → (order by 29 Oct for delivery before Diwali)
The whole spices (khada masala) used in most biryanis:
| Spice | Hindi | How much (for 1kg rice) |
|---|---|---|
| Green cardamom | Elaichi / इलायची | 5–6 pods |
| Clove | Laung / लौंग | 5–6 |
| Cinnamon | Dalchini / दालचीनी | 2 small sticks |
| Black pepper | Kali mirch / काली मिर्च | 8–10 |
| Bay leaf | Tej patta | 2 |
| Star anise | Chakra phool / चक्र फूल | 1 |
| Shahi jeera | Shahi jeera | 1 tsp |
| Mace | Javitri | 1 small piece |
Tip: fry the whole spices in hot ghee for 30 seconds before adding onions – this releases the aroma.
The first four are in our 4-Spice Combo, sourced from farmers and farmers’ collectives in Wayanad & Idukki, Kerala.