Game Cookery

Rose Prince is inspired by a traditional Indian biryani — here made with pheasant, but it can also be adapted with partridge, pigeon or rabbit

Ilearnt this method of making biryani in Delhi, south of the province in northern India where pure basmati rice is grown. In India, basmati is considered a premium breed of rice. It is low yielding and harder to grow than regular long-grain rice. There is actually a larger market for it in Britain and the Middle East than in India. But biryani, the rich, spiced dish from the area, is often served as a celebratory dish and if possible basmati should be used. When cooked, the grains stay neatly separate and don’t clump, and they characteristically lengthen. But,

“Biryani is often served as a celebratory dish, and if possible basmati rice should be used”

most importantly, basmati rice has a lovely fragrance — an almost floral flavour. You can adapt this using partridge, pigeon or rabbit meat. It’s a truly hearty dish.