Delhi Style Biryani Degh Deghchi — Heavy Duty Aluminium, 20 to 52 Qt

The Delhi-style deghchi: a tall aluminium biryani degh with a narrow mouth and a wide thick base, in four sizes from 20 to 52 quarts. This is the pot used across North Indian and Pakistani biryani kitchens, and the shape has not changed because nothing has improved on it.

Why a deghchi rather than a stock pot

Two things separate them. The base is far thicker than any stock pot's, so a low flame under a sealed pot stays low and even instead of catching the bottom layer of rice. And the mouth is deliberately smaller than the base, which turns the pot into its own steam circuit: vapour rises, meets the narrowing shoulder, condenses and falls back through the layers. Put the same biryani in a straight-sided stock pot and the steam goes out of the top, the top layer dries and the bottom burns.

Sizes

Dimensions for the #20 and #24 are being confirmed — call us if bench or burner clearance is tight.

Which size

• #18, 20 qt — a single service, or a second pot for a smaller menu item alongside the main biryani.
• #20, 27 qt — the everyday size for a restaurant with biryani on the menu every day.
• #24, 44 qt — weekend volume and mid-size catering orders.
• #26, 52 qt — banquets, weddings and event work. Its 23 inch base needs a burner that can heat the whole of it.

Using it

Layer, seal and leave. The traditional seal is a rope of dough pressed around the rim; a tight lid weighted down does much the same job. Keep the flame low — the thick base means it takes a few minutes longer to come up to temperature, and that is the point. Do not lift the lid to check, because every look costs steam and the pot has to build it again.

Care

• Hand wash only. Aluminium and dishwasher detergent do not agree.
• Warm water, mild soap, soft sponge, and dry immediately.
• Let the pot cool before it meets cold water — thermal shock on a heavy base is what warps it.

Ordering

Not sure whether you want a deghchi, a bagona or a lagan? Tell us the style of biryani you cook and we will tell you which one your kitchen actually needs — sales@nishienterprise.com or (732) 790-0199. Nishi Enterprise Inc has supplied Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali restaurant kitchens across the United States and Canada since 2002.