Bengaluru Donne Biryani Paste

Donne biryani is Bengaluru's own — served in a donne (areca leaf bowl), cooked in military messes and roadside stalls. Mild heat, ghee-forward, and nothing like the biryani from any other city.

• Makes ~2 kg biryani · Serves 4
• Cook time: 25 mins
• Works with: Mutton, chicken, beef, paneer, mushroom, soya
• Net weight: 300g · Shelf life: 12 months

Donne biryani doesn't compete with Hyderabadi. It's a different category — mild, buttery, built for volume. The original version was cooked in massive pots for army canteens in Shivajinagar. It became Bengaluru's everyday biryani.

This paste keeps the ghee-forward base intact. Lower spice, full flavour. Works exceptionally well with paneer — the mild heat profile lets the ghee and paneer speak together. Pairs especially well with raita and fried onions.