Biryani is a traditional dish that is made by layering meat or vegetables with rice and spices. There are many different variations of biryani, but here is a basic recipe for making chicken biryani:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup oil or ghee
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped mint
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup fried onions
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan and fry the onions until golden brown. Remove and keep aside.
- In the same pan, add chicken, ginger, garlic and fry until chicken is cooked through.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are mushy.
- Add yogurt and cook until oil separates.
- Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Drain the soaked rice and add to the pan. Mix well.
- Add the fried onions, raisins, cashew nuts, and half of the chopped cilantro and mint.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Garnish with remaining cilantro and mint.
- Serve hot with raita or chutney.
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the type of pan and stove you are using.
Please keep in mind that this is just a basic recipe and you can adjust the ingredients and spices to your liking. Also, you can use beef, lamb, shrimp or vegetables instead of chicken for a different variation.