IndianLucknowi Mutton BiryaniA fragrant Awadhi-style biryani of tender bone-in mutton and long basmati rice, gently spiced and finished with saffron, kewra and fried onions, then sealed and steamed on dum.2 h 30 min·Serves 6
IndianHyderabadi Chicken BiryaniBone-in chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, layered with par-boiled basmati, fried onions, herbs and saffron, then sealed and cooked on dum. Best made for a weekend table; allow 2 hours for marinating.2 h·Serves 6
PakistaniTahiri (Turmeric Potato and Pea Rice)A one-pot vegetarian rice dish of golden basmati cooked with potatoes, peas and whole spices. It is simple, filling and ready in under an hour, ideal for an easy weekday lunch.56 min·Serves 4
PakistaniZeera Rice (Pakistani Cumin Rice)Fluffy basmati rice tempered in ghee with toasted cumin, a few whole spices and a slit green chilli. It's a simple side that goes well with any daal, curry or karahi.1 h 2 min·Serves 4
PakistaniKhichdi with GheeA soft, comforting one-pot of rice and yellow moong daal, cooked with cumin, ginger and onion and finished with a sizzling ghee tarka. It's an easy, budget-friendly dinner for a quiet night.1 h·Serves 4
PakistaniChana Pulao (Chickpea Pulao with Whole Spices and Fried Onions)A one-pot rice dish of tender chickpeas and basmati, cooked in the chickpea broth with browned onions, yogurt and whole spices. Filling, meat-free and good for a weekday lunch.1 h 55 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMatar Pulao (Green Pea Pulao with Cumin and Whole Spices)A fragrant, one-pot basmati pulao with sweet green peas, golden onions, cumin and whole spices. It's simple enough for a weekday lunch and good with raita.1 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniBeef BiryaniTender yogurt-marinated beef and soft potatoes in a thick masala, layered with long-grain basmati, mint and fried onions, then steamed on dum. A proper family dinner for a weekend.2 h 35 min·Serves 6
PakistaniMutton Biryani with Golden Fried Onions and DumTender bone-in mutton cooked in a yogurt and tomato masala, layered with par-cooked basmati, fried onions and mint, then steamed on dum until fragrant. A proper centrepiece for weekend dinners.3 h·Serves 6
PakistaniSindhi BiryaniA tangy, herb-heavy mutton biryani from Sindh, layered with fried potatoes, dried plums and green chillies. It's spicier and more sour than most biryanis, and it makes a full dinner for a crowd.2 h 45 min·Serves 6
PakistaniBeef Pulao with Browned Onions and Whole SpicesA everyday-style Pakistani pulao where beef is browned with onions and yogurt, then cooked with basmati in its own rich stock. Fragrant, full of flavour and made in one pot.2 h 15 min·Serves 4
PakistaniMutton Yakhni PulaoFragrant basmati rice cooked in a whole-spice mutton stock, with browned onions and tender bone-in meat. A gentle, aromatic pulao for Sunday dinners and guests.2 h 20 min·Serves 6
PakistaniChicken Yakhni PulaoA fragrant one-pot pulao where basmati cooks in a homemade chicken and whole-spice stock. It is milder and more aromatic than biryani, and needs no tomato or heavy masala.1 h 55 min·Serves 5
PakistaniChicken BiryaniLayers of long-grain basmati and a tangy, spiced chicken masala, steamed together until every grain stays separate. Made with potatoes and dried plums, the way many Karachi homes make it.1 h 30 min·Serves 6
ChineseChicken Fried RiceDay-old rice stir-fried hot with chicken, egg, peas, carrot and soy. Faster than ordering in.25 min·Serves 4
PakistaniChawal ki KheerRice simmered slowly in milk with cardamom until creamy, finished with pistachios and almonds. Serve chilled in clay bowls.1 h·Serves 6