Commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday marked by gathering: to pray, connect, and eat. Translated as “festival of breaking the fast,” Eid celebrates the conclusion of weeks of sunup to sundown fasting. And if you’re looking for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish to break the fast with family and friends, consider our unbeatably easy Instant Pot® chicken biryani. It’s also quick and simple enough to make any night of the week, no matter what you celebrate.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Based on the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Fitr occurs during the first three days of Shawwāl, beginning sundown April 9 this year. If you’re not familiar, Eid is a holiday full of activity, starting at dawn with a morning of communal prayer. Then friends and loved ones gather to celebrate, give gifts, and feast, often exchanging the greeting “Eid Mubarak,” Arabic for “blessed Eid”.
What to Serve on Eid al-Fitr
The holiday is dedicated to gratitude and connection, celebrated with an abundant meal made for sharing with loved ones. It’s not a time to slave away over the stove so it’s a great opportunity to let a trusty kitchen appliance do some of the lifting, so you can get back to the celebration. That’s where our take on biryani, the traditional dish of richly spiced rice mixed with vegetables and meat, checks both boxes.
Though commonly associated with Indian cuisine, biryani traces back to the Middle East. The name is derived from two Persian words: birian, which means “fried before cooking” and birinj, which means “rice.”
Hot to Make Chicken Biryani
Getting this richly aromatic chicken biryani on the table is a breeze, thanks to the Instant Pot® and a few reliable, tasty ingredients. The key is a yogurt marinade made with an aromatic curry paste that adds layers of flavor to budget-friendly chicken thighs. You can do this step a day in advance to get a jump on prep for the holiday (or any busy weeknight). When it’s time to cook, soak the basmati rice in water for 20 minutes while the Instant Pot® takes care of the rest. The sauté function helps to coax even more flavor out of the chicken before the rice and tomato go into the pot. Then, set the Instant Pot® to high pressure, and in less than 20 minutes your fluffy, fragrant biryani is done. Finally, finish with fresh cilantro and chopped cashews.
Happy Eid al-Fitr from all your friends at Savory!
Get the recipe: Instant Pot® Chicken Biryani
