മലബാർ ഫിഷ് ബിരിയാണി സ്ലൈസ്| Fish Biryani in a Tray? Malabar pachor Style Recipe

Layered Tray malabar Biryani – a festive twist where fish biryani is layered and set like pachor, then cut into slices. Perfect for parties, family feasts, and Kerala Christian-style functions. Try this unique recipe at home!


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🌾 Ingredients

For Rice

Jeerakasala / basmati rice – 2 cups

Water – 3¾ cups

Ghee – 2 tbsp

Onion – 1 small, sliced

Green chili – 1, slit

Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp

Whole spices – 2 cloves, 1 cardamom, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf

Salt – 1¼ tsp


For Fish Masala

Boneless fish (seer/kingfish) – 300 g

Shallots – 8–10, chopped

Garlic – 4 cloves, chopped

Green chili – 1, chopped

Curry leaves – 8–10

Kashmiri chili powder – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Pepper powder – ½ tsp

Fennel powder – ¼ tsp

Coconut milk – 3 tbsp

Cashews – 6–8, toasted

Raisins – 6–8, toasted (optional)

Coconut oil – 2 tbsp

Lemon juice – 1 tsp

Salt – to taste


For Garnish

Onion – 1 medium, sliced & fried golden

Cashews – 10–12, fried in ghee

Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped



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🍳 Preparation

1. Cook the Rice

Wash and soak rice for 20 mins, drain.

Heat ghee, add whole spices, onion, chili, and ginger-garlic paste.

Sauté, then add rice, fry 2 mins.

Add water and salt, cook till rice is just done and firm. Spread to cool slightly.


2. Make Fish Masala

Cook fish with little salt + turmeric, flake into chunks.

Heat coconut oil, fry shallots till golden.

Add garlic, chili, curry leaves, then spice powders.

Add fish, salt, coconut milk, cashews & raisins. Mix gently.

Finish with lemon juice.


3. Garnish Prep

Deep fry onions till crisp golden.

Fry cashews in ghee.


4. Assemble Layers

Line tray with banana leaf (optional).

Spread half rice, press gently.

Spread all fish masala evenly.

Top with remaining rice, press again.

Garnish with fried onion, cashew, coriander.

Rest 15–20 mins covered.


5. Slice & Serve

Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp wet knife.

Serve warm on banana leaf squares or plates.



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✨ Enjoy the Malabar feast in a slice!
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