Biryani is a popular dish from the Indian subcontinent that is made with rice, meat, and a variety of spices. There are many different variations of biryani, but here is a basic recipe for chicken biryani that serves 4 people:
Ingredients:
⦁ 2 cups basmati rice
⦁ 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
⦁ 2 cups water or chicken broth
⦁ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
⦁ 1 onion, finely chopped
⦁ 2 cloves garlic, minced
⦁ 1 inch ginger, minced
⦁ 1 tsp cumin seeds
⦁ 1 tsp coriander powder
⦁ 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
⦁ 1/2 tsp red chili powder
⦁ 1/2 tsp garam masala
⦁ Salt to taste
⦁ 1 cup yogurt
⦁ 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
⦁ 1/2 cup mint, chopped
⦁ 1/4 cup fried onions (optional)
⦁ 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
⦁ 1/4 cup cashews (optional)
⦁ Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes.
In a large pot, bring the 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, and stir gently. Reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook the rice for 18-20 minutes or until it is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and keep aside.
In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
Add the yogurt and stir until the chicken is well coated. Cook for a few minutes, until the yogurt is well blended with the spices.
Add the cilantro, mint, fried onions, raisins, and cashews (if using) and stir well.
Add the cooked rice to the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine.
Cover the pan and cook on low heat for a few minutes, until the rice and chicken are heated through.
Serve the biryani hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Biryani is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Some popular variations include lamb biryani, beef biryani, shrimp biryani, and vegetable biryani. You can also make biryani using brown rice or quinoa for a healthier version of the dish. The above recipe is the most basic version of the Biryani, you can add and adjust the ingredients as per your taste and preference.